"v^*
"''^^A^
-0^
-0^
...
./'^
\ •->
<> " '[(/ fit-, XlV . <.v ^/^.
p. 4 «
-" u . o ^ - •'- ,
..\^-
>-^.
.^'^
< o
^'^
^^ '^'^ ^^ "<"^ . •.'^^ i^^r-?^K^
y\ /\ /%.^ /x-m-'/sm-.
.lOIJN C. LKOPAKL/
M ,M. I'A.M.Mi IN
^
HISTORY
OF
DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
MISSOURI
DAVIESS COUNTY
BY
JOHN C. LEOPARD AND BUEL LEOPARD
GENTRY COUNTY
BY
R. M. McCAMMON AND MARY McCAMMON HILLMAN
ILLUSTRATED
HISTORICAL PUBLISHING COMPANY
TOPEKA— INDIANAPOUS
1922
'\'^ >-.'^
PREFACE
It is the aim of the editors of the History of Daviess County to present
in substantial form an authentic history of the county and its people, to
which the present and future generations may refer with confidence and
satisfaction as the years come and go, and that it may be a matter of pre-
manent record for all time. It is not an easy matter to write the history
of such a county as Daviess. Much more research was required than was
anticipated as every effort has been made to secure accuracy. Many events
had an influence in shaping the destiny of this county.
The chief sources of material were the county records, newspapers,
reports of the state departments, the history of the county published in
1882, "Early Days on Grand River and the Mormon War" by R. J. Britton,
the Memoirs of Major J. H. McGee, "Memories" by John F. Jordin, and
"Recollections" by H. C. McDougal.
The writers have made requests for information upon various subjects
of a large number of men and women, almost all of whom have responded
willingly and promptly. To them the writers feel greatly indebted and
while it is impossible to mention them all, this must not be taken to indicate
a lack of appreciation of their efforts.
Among those who have been especially painstaking in supplying infor-
mation are Mrs. Mary Cruzen, Samuel F. Sperry, Sr., George W. Williams,
S. W. Brandom, W. C. Gillihan, C. H. Longfellow, H. J. Hollis, E. A. Martin,
Mrs. W. W. Ament, Dr. M. A. Smith, and Mrs. J. W. McClasky.
THE EDITORS.
Gallatin, Mo.. June 1, 1922.
1
INDEX.
Abarr, Millege Lester 884
Adkisson. W. C 663
Adams, Edward 805
Adams, George P 466
Adams, M. E 7i3
Adams, Willis 529
Adkison, Shannon 453
Agee, Carl J 828
Akes, Emert 472
Alexander, Joshua W 331
Allen, Charles S 668
Allen, F. T 669
Allen, John Henry 647
Allen, S. W 1002
Allenbrand, R. J 541
Allsup, J. W 400
Ament, W. W 695
Austin, Fred S 528
Arnold, W. L 430
Bacon, Henry G 727
Bacon, Jason 898
Ball, John Lemuel 855
Ball, Robt. J 901
Ball, Thomas J 854
Bare, H. \V 470
Barger. Dr. J. N 921
Barlow, T. C 987
Barnes, John H 804
Bartlett, Oscar A 724
Bayless, White 954
Beauchamp, Lemuel 553
Beck, H. M 749
Bell, Amanda M 953
Bennett. James B 416
Best, .Jirthur 1023
Bethel, Eugene L 604
Birge, Ed E 837
Birge, James 760
Bishop, M. V 738
Black, Edgar 887
Black, R. M 983
Blackburn, D. A 391
Blackburn, Frank H 899
Blackburn, John A 899
Blackburn. W. E 386
Blacklock, Eben E 621
Blacklock, Ebenezer Edgar 615
Blacklock, L. Bruce.' 622
Blacklock, William L 616
Blair, J. S 983
Blakely. S. W 418
Boley, Benjamin 810
Bonham, William W 625
Bowman, Lewis M 1035
Brandom, Silvester W 576
Bray, William E 915
Brewer, Enoch W 645
Brodrick, Isaac F 876
Brown, Cornelius 623
Brown, E. G 703
Brown, J. Forrest 417
Brown. John N 348
Brown. Marcus M 488
Brown, N. B 997
Brown, Rufus Fayette 617
Brown, T. T 991
Brown, Thomas 808
Brown, W. P 958
Brown, W. T 444
Brown, Walter W 878
Brown, William H 957
Bruce, Charles A 743
Burge. W. F 421
Burkhart. George 535
Burtch. Dr. J. A 759
Burton, Hallie 340
Butler, Granville 838
Cain, John J 572
Caldwell. Joseph M 904
Campbell. A. B 517
Campbell, Dr. James Clyde 1007
Campbell, Dr. Malcomb Monroe... 593
Canaday, Andrew W 881
Canaday, William Calvin 785
Caraway, W. T 933
Carlow, Peoples Bank of 417
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Carter. Amiie Laivric (Akin) 539
Carter, H. F 532
Carter, Salathiel 592
Carter, W. H 624
Castor, Grant 729
Chamberlain, C. S 750
Chambers, Mrs. James A 753
Chapman, Henry 868
Chapman, R. W 1019
Chenoweth, M. W 502
Childers, J. J 818
Chilton, F 671
Clagett, Dr. D. M 696
Clark, S. J 990
Cline, W. G 600
Colburn, Byron 722
Cole, J. o in
Cole, Ramus M 973
Cole, W. L 610
Collier, D. L 589
Collier, William H 660
Conrad, Joseph 723
Cook, Frank H 967
Cook, William S 634
Cooper, L. T 875
Cooper, Truman 586
Cooper, W. T 451
Coppersmith, Dr. .A. W 793
Cornett, R. L 1037
Cottrill, David Marshall 557
Cottrill, David Mars. hall 557
Coulter, Johnson Wesley 489
Courtier, Dewitt C 1023
Cousins, O. G 857
Cox, Joseph M 423
Cox, Levi P 454
Cox, Walter 432
Crane, William Milton 883
Creekmore, Rev. Grant 1027
Creighton, Sterling Harrison 965
Critten, James 419
Croy, Amos B 599
Croy, B. E 373
Croy, E. A 442
Crowder, Charles Bruce 700
Cruzen, Nathaniel G 377
Culver, Elmer L 480
Cummings, John M 637
Cunningham, J. H 649
Dale, Lawrence T 848
Dator. William E 643
Davidson, J. E 488
Davis, D. Harfield 387
Day, E. B 927
Day, Joseph Owen 631
DeFord, Alva E 674
DeFord, Melvin Ross 682
Degginger, J. H 844
Denny. Lewis W 522
De Vorss, J. William 436
Dice, George E 977
Dieter. Thomas J 829
Dills, Henry P 551
Doak, Harry A 391
Doak, Novia 447
Doak, Peter P 390
Dockery, Alexander M 352
Dougan, Don C 783
Dowell. William 755
Downning, Charles L 925
Doyle, John R 494
Dresbach, J. A 585
Dresbach. Samuel H 579
Drummond, J. B., Sr 420
Drummond, James M 435
Dudley, Col. Boyd 344
Dudley, Boyd, Jr 344
Dunavan, Lewis R 816
Duncan, Earl Clifford 860
Duncan, Frank W 858
Duncan, Harrison M 781
Dunnington. J. F 400
Dunshee, Harry J 877
Edwards, Thomas J 929
Elder, William Carson 474
Ellis, John M 1012
Ellis, N. G 1008
Embree, Charles 601
Enyart, James E 536
Ernst, C. E 424
Ethel, Willis J 834
Etter. R. L.. Sr 367
Evans, Claude M 641
Evans, James J 820
Evans, William B 882
Everly, C. C 989
Everly, C. H 389
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Kverly. hicnry H 102S
Everly. S. H ' 754
Evving, George D 958
Farmers and Mechanics Bank, The. 571
F"aulkner, James R 756
Fetters, Enoch 625
Feurt, Homer 336
Feurt, W. H 962
Fields, Clarence Riley 1038
Fields, Victor 583
Fisher, Daniel M 365
Fitterer, Enos 379
Fitterer, Frank A 379
Fitterer, Oscar L 380
Flowers, Dale S 468
Foley, E. M., Jr 704
Folgate, Chauncey 787
FoUett, D. H 629
Fore, Ted 508
Francisco, Cort 995
Frost, Thomas L 702
Fulton, A. J 683
Galbreath, John 765
Gall, Samuel L 619
Gallatin Trust Company, The 1034
Galpin, Peter 693
Gardner, Dr. P. L ill
Gartin, Andrew C 473
Gartin, Ray S 812
Gay, George R 928
Gay, James 864
Gildow, J. Frank 744
Giles, F. L 817
Giles, Oliver 655
Gillespie, J. H 986
Gillett, F. M 831
Gillett, John R 936
Glendenning, Milton 523
Goodbar, George C 383
Goodwine, .Andrew J 802
Gould, Will S 768
Grace, John \V 537
Grace, O. L 497
Graham, Amaziah .-\ 950
Graham, Dr. James B 987
Grantham, Herbert C 1034
Grantham, Lincoln 801
Graves, P. M 830
Graves, W. P 605
Green, E. P 515
Green, George E 889
Green, Henry H 939
Green, John Francis 456
Green, M. M 511
Greenlee, Claud A 573
Greenwell, Alexander 512
Greenwood, E. H 929
Gregg, Aaron 790
Gregory. James M 569
Griffeth, C. J 888
Griffin, W. P 691
Grissinger, Guy Forrest 587
Guerin, James 431
Guess, John H 505
Gurthep. J. B 1018
Hadley. Larkin Francis 520
Hager, John T 780
Hamilton, T. E 432
Hamilton, Wood H 384
Hamm, Fred 652
Hammer, Charles E 630
Hammer, Peter 833
Handy, W. R 449
Harden, William S 595
Harding, Samuel Oscar 494
Hardinger, Dr. S. L 996
Hardwick. John R 642
Hargis. Dr. Wm. H 956
Harlow, E. J 394
Harlow, J. Sam 393
Harman, .\. M 740
Harpster, Ray 832
Harrah, Harley J 1033
Harris, George Dowe 917
Harris, George W 863
Harris. Lewis Allen 714
Harrison, Clifford Melvin.... 656
Hartsock, W. E 840
Hathaway, W. E 734
Hawthorne, Lester L 584
Hays, Charles E 459
Hays, John B 460
Hedges, Dr. Frank 984
Helms, Everett H 981
Hemry, Charles 368
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Henderson. Mary Ellen 880
Henry. Edmon 994
Hess, Charles A 889
Heyde, Maxmilian 598
Heyser, Stanley 736
Hill, James C 934
Hinote, J. W 885
Hise, S. R 542
Hisel, D. E 982
Holden, Thomas C 481
Holmes, Henry 909
Hopkins, Charles E 787
Hosman. Leonard M 376
Houston, George B 412
Houston, W. F 915
Hoyt. John H 650
Hudson, Richard 800
Hulet, Lewis C 515
Humphrey, T. M 601
Hundley, John A 479
Hunter, Jesse T 464
Hutcherson, William P 964
James, John Thomas 1022
Jameson. Hiram Ramsay 620
Jameson, Madison Finley 851
Jameson, William Alexander 644
Jamesport, Commercial Bank of. . . 426
Jamesport, Peoples Ex. Bank of. . . . 458
Jarrett. Samuel A 960
Jefferies. Thomas J 784
Jenkins, W. E 931
Jinkins, Joseph 747
Johnson, G. W 746
Johnson, James .\ 821
Johnson, James Franklin 442
Johnson, James L 707
Johnson, H. L 687
Johnson, V. P 989
Johnson, W. .A 920
Jolly, .Vlb.ert Newton 659
Jolly, Frank S 814
Jolly, Henry C 646
Jolly, James Perry 552
Jones, Jacob 825
Jones, Standish E 843
Kaufman. John W 975
Karrar. .Vrmand 483
Keck. E. A 731
Kelso, Henry C 717
Kemp. J. H 720
Kent, Charles H 839
Kerfoot, William H 558
Kerlin, John W 806
Kerwin. Thomas 798
Kibler, James C 980
Killam. Sam C 448
Kingsborough, Dimmon D 477
Kingsley, C. E 735
Kirk. Patrick 823
Knauer. Charles L 350
Knight. Idella 640
Knight. M. N 439
Knight, V. E 910
Koch. George B 457
Koger. John Henry 1011
Korn. Charles 884
Landes. Daniel 445
Landes. F. S 748
Lankford. E. S 396
Lankford. E. T 396
Law. M. L 822
Lawson, Joseph G 976
Lay, W. T 923
Lear. Henry 1021
Lee. Wesley. J r 725
Limpp, Rufus H 611
Lindsey. Charles T 890
Link, W. C 359
Littlewood. C. E 563
Litton. J. S 914
Lively. Ivo W 426
Lockwood. E. C 581
Loest. L. C 636
Long, James W 437
Love, Penn 922
Lowrey. Charles N 943
Lowrie, D. Luther 343
Lyons, H. E 507
McAllister, M. F 942
McCammon. Robt. M 1031
McCarty. John H 866
McCaskey, J. B 679
McCampbell, Walter E 524
McClaskey. John W 446
I
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
McClure. Elcania 763
McClure. Jonathan 856
McCIure, W. T 425
McConkey, Samuel R 779
McCoy, Jesse James 896
McCoy, John R 461
McCoy, S. D 574
McCray, Robert D 872
McCue, J. L 428
McCue, P. S 458
McCue, R. M 381
McCullough, Joseph Lafayette 870
McDaniel, George W 657
McDaniel, J. W 992
McDonald, J. B 942
McElvain, Joseph 338
McElroy. T. H 799
McGinnis, Asa Hardin 900
McKenney, Keeran 852
McKnight, James W 827
McMahan, H. C 443
McMillen, Albert 850
McMillen, J. L 853
McMillen, Patrick Henry 513
Macy, Perry 404
Macy, Seth 403
Macy, W. C 392
Mallory, James M 699
Manion, Edward \V 554
Mann. Alva 638
Mann, Clem P 767
Mann, Moses 560
Manring, James A 709
Manring, Jordan William 711
Marlow, L. C 433
Martin, T. A 412
Mathews, Alonzo 1026
Maupin, R. E 935
Meadows, J. E 970
Meadows, Mary Elizabeth 1009
Meadows, Oscar P 1010
Melton, William Ellis 549
Mendenhall, C. C 578
Mettle, Oliver 360
Miller, A. 509
Miller. A. W 751
Miller, Charles B 1004
Miller, James M 665
Miller, Martin Van Bnren 544
MiUigan, William J 797
Millman, Isaac 684
Millstead, Hayden 946
Minor, Leland F 979
Mitchell, George William 548
Mock, George 673
Monk, Jesse W 658
Monroe, Jonathan S 506
Moody, Wade D 940
Mooney. P. A 966
Moore, E. E 562
Morris, Theodore F 664
Morris, Tmiothy 1015
Morris, W. J 1014
Morrison. G. M. Dallas 791
Morton, Frank 612
Mothersead, Charles H 465
Moulten, L. T 1036
Murphy, Robert 493
Murray, G. G 361
Musselman, John 342
Nalle, John 1025
Naylor, W. E 419
Neal. Joab P 789
Needles. Simpson W 530
Neth, Albert 690
Newcomb, J. E 594
Newman, A. A 907
Newman, Jacob 846
Nickerson, James H 969
Nugent, Dr. J. T 455
O'Hare, Hugh El wood 963
O'Mara, James 497
O'Toole, James M 925
Olsen, George A 698
Osborn, Henry 655
Osborn, W. T 906
Pangburn, Marion Edgar 937
Pape, Carsen 909
Parks, William 609
Parman. Orville S 463
Pate. John A 761
Patterson, M. H 911
Patrick, Benedict W 409
Patton, H. E 373
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Patton, Isaac Gentry 498
Patton. J. T 985
Patton, Jefferson P 974
Patton, John F 774
Patton, Joseph Henry 653
Patton, William A 842
Payne, Clinton L 375
Peniston, Anthony 608
Peniston, George H 414
Peters, Mrs. Ida M 721
Pierce, Benjamin 583
Pierce, Fred L 402
Pierce, Lee R 374
Pipkin, Dr. Charles 930
Place, A. J 339
Pogue, George H 752
Pogue, W. C 388
Potter, Charles 835
Powell. Lew Wallace 912
Powers, Harvey 796
Powers, J. Clark 795
Preston, John 504
Price, Aseph Butler 545
Prichard, William M 944
Prior, Crittenden D 1028
Pulsifer, Joseph R 824
Quigley, Silas Edgar Ill
Quisenberry, P. T 811
Railsback. Daniel 924
Ralph, W. D 519
Ramsbotton, William 404
Ray. Charles 561
Ray, James M 771
Reed, George W Hi
Reed. J. W 747
Reed, John W 1000
Reich, J. L 680
Reid, Adelbert W 686
Rhea, George W 730
Rice, D. P 550
Richardson, Philip 874
Ridinger, G. W 409
Rigney, T. N 484
Rizzi. A 611
Robertson, James 565
Robertson, Wesley L 672
Robinson, D. H 1001
Robinson, J. H 918
Robinson. O. P 972
Robison, John B 540
Robison, Lester M 503
Roper, William Terry 893
Royston, Mrs. Ada M 948
Runyon, Charles Henry 588
Rnnyan, George Sterling 534
Rybolt. Edward E 998
Sager, George A 580
Sager, W. F 794
Sale, J. M 865
Sale, Phillip 543
Sampson, W. B 605
Sanford, Thomas H 591
Schwyhart, M. S 745
Scott, Charles L 770
Scott, H. C 397
Scott, J. C 757
Scott, Roy T 719
Scrivner. V. H 438
Sealey, George F 635
Seller, A. F 363
Semple, Malcolm Monroe 501
Shakleford, Dr. Earl 949
Shockley, T. R 440
Shoemaker, Everett M 716
Short, Alexander 726
Shrike, John J 614
Sidens, William J 568
Slagle, W. M 873
Smith, Asa L 1015
Smith, Dr. M. A 356
Smith, Edgar L 556
Smith, Frank L 776
Smith, J. J 590
Smith, James D 469
Smith, Kimbro 971
Smith, W. D 772
Smith, W. Glen 354
Snapp, Delbert D 607
Snider, J. M 422
Spaht, Gustave 602
Speers, William 670
Sperry, Samuel F 1016
Spiers, Amos 978
Stapleton, Robert E 905
Stapleton, William Peery 491
I
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Steiiiniaii. Edward 826
Stephens, Arthur M 366
Stewart. J. R 892
Stewart, John W 666
Stith, James 762
Stout, C. J 358
Stovall, Hardin N 951
Strasser, John A 708
Streeter. Cyrus 678
Stroup, Silas M 908
Summa, Earl 567
Sunima, Ira 567
Surface, Samuel R 677
Sutton, John George 813
Sweaney, Boon L 897
Sweat, J. R 662
Swisher, C. H 742
Tate, J. H 349
Temple, W. A 836
Terry, Anda B 974
Thomas, Joseph 862
Thomas, William 803
Thompson, Dr. ,\ 895
Thompson, Dr. R. V ii7
Thompson, W. L 766
Tibbs, J. L 739
Todd, Levi 472
Tolbert, J. W 441
Tolen, Mark 415
Townsend, W. P 408
Trimm. James C 1029
Trosper, Milton 401
Trosper, William B 688
Tuggle. Floyd S 394
Tunnell, Clarence E 632
Turner. Edwin 955
Uhlig. Paul J 786
Utz, Alfred E 1006
Utz. J. J 815
Utz, William L 1017
V'andermark, James Edward 525
Van Hoozer,_ Jonathan W 527
Vaughn, James 628
Wade, Allen F 1035
Wade. I. L 410
Wagers, J, T. 617
Walker, John W 510
Walp, Henry S 894
Walls, Boyd E 993
Waltemath, John A 496
Waltemath, Fred 809
Ware, B. F 415
Warren, A. H 429
Washburn, L. E 807
Waters, Davis E 952
Watkins, George P 769
W^eldon, J. H 406
Weldon, William G 758
Wellman, William Z 741
West, Edward F 689
Wetzel, Reuben 736
Whaley, M. P 462
Wharton, David Amos 861
Wheatley, Charles T 627
White, Jerome C 681
Whitt, O. R 999
Whitton, Charles R 782
Whitton, Rufus 848
Wiglesworth, Ovelman 713
Wilder, John F 7i7
Wiles, Ralph 427
Williams, George W 995
Wilmore, D. C 597
Wilson, Samuel 7?ii
Wood, Mrs. Ada 1003
Wood, R. F 961
Wooden, M. H 675
Wooderson, David H 500
Wooderson, Frank 841
Woodring, R. E 1020
Woodruff, Frank A 369
Wynne, H. S 991
Yadon. John A 867
Yates, Benjamin \ 941
Yates, C. G 750
Yates. M. B 947
Yeater. H. C 486
Y'oell, E. G 919
Yost. Cornelius 968
Youtsey. Archibald S.. J r 398
Youtsey. Eben Estes 398
Youtsey. O. S 926
PART I.
History of Daviess Counhj.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
TERRITORY EMBRACING DAVIESS COUNTY- INDIAN OCCUPATION— FIRST SETTLERS-
SETTLEMENT OF BENTON TOWNSHIP— SETTLEMENT IN OTHER TOWNSHIPS-
NATIVITY OF PIONEER SETTLERS— CHARACTER AND NATIVITY OF LATER
ARRIVALS 65-70
CHAPTER 11.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.
PETITION PRESENTED IN 1836 BY ALEXANDER DONIPHAN— LOCATION OF COUNTY
SEAT— TOWN ORDERED PLATTED AND SALE OF LOTS— REPORT OF COMMIS-
SIONERS—EFFORT TO REMOVE COUNTY SEAT TO CRAVENSVILLE— OTHER
EFFORTS TO CHANGE COT'NTY SEAT 71-74
CHAPTER III.
COUNTY BUILDINGS.
COURT HOUSE— JAIL— COUNTY FARM AND BUILDINGS 75-81
HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER IV.
CITIES AND TOWNS.
GALLATIN— COFFEY— WINSTON— PATTONSBITRG — JAMESON— CARLOW — LOCK
SPRINGS— ALTAMONT— CIVIL BEND — MILLPORT — ADAM-ONDI-AHMON — CRAV-
ENSVILLE— PRAIRIE CITY— CRITTBNDEN—ECLIPSE— OLD PATTONSBURG — VIC-
TORIA— ALTA VISTA— BANCROFT 82-90
CHAPTER V.
MILITARY HISTORY.
BLACK HAWK WAR— HBATHERLY WAR— MEXICAN WAR— COL. WICKHAM'S MILITIA
COMPANY, COMPANY A. SECOND MISSOURI REGIMENT. N. G. M 91-93
CHAPTER VI.
THE MORMONS IN DAVIESS COUNTY.
LYMAN WIGHT THE FIRST MORMON TO SETTLE IN DAVIESS COUNTY— HEADQUAR-
TERS AT FAR W:EST— JOSEPH SMITH, JR., SELECTS SITE OF STRAKE IN
DAVIESS COUNTY— GROWTH OP TOWN— FIRST MORMON TROUBLE— LATER
DEVELOPMENTS— THE MORMON WAR— MOBOLIZATION OF TROOPS— EXTERMIN-
ATION ORDER— MAUN'S MILL MASSACRE— MORMONS SURRENDERED TO MILITIA
LEADERS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENCE— SUBSEQUENT TRIAI^— REMAINS OF
MORMON OCCUPATION 94-101
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER VII.
THE CIVIL WAR.
SENTIMENT DIVIDED IN DAVIESS COUNTY— ACTIVITIES OF UNION MEN IN 1861—
COMPANIES ORGANIZED— HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHED AT GALLATIN— GUER-
RILLA WARFARE— SKIRMISH — BOUNTY OFFERED TO VOLUNTEERS — UNION
SOLDIERS FROM DAVIESS COUNTY— COMPANY A— COMPANY G— COMPANY B—
FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY— SPECIAL ORDER NO. 6— CONFEDERATES— CIVIL WAR
INCIDENTS 102-121
CHAPTER VIII.
PIONEER AND MODERN TRANSPORTATION.
STAGE LINES— FERRIES— NA VIOATION— ROADS— RAILROADS 122-132
CHAPTER IX.
CHURCHES.
PIONEER MINISTERS— PIONEER CHURCHES— CAMP MEETING — CHURCH SERVICES-
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH— CATHOLIC CHURCH— CHRISTIAN CHURCH— EVAN-
GELICAL CHURCH — BAPTIST CHURCH — METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH —
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOUTH -PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH— SEVENTH DAY AD-
VENTISTS 133-145
CHAPTER X.
SCHOOLS.
EARLY DAY SL'BSCRIPTION SCHOOLS— PIONEER TEACHERS— FIRST SCHOOL HOUSES-
LOCATION OF EARLY SCHOOLS— TEACHER'S INSTITUTES— HIGH SCHOOLS— CON-
SOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOLS— APPROVED RURAL SCHOOLS— GRAND RIVER COL-
LEGE—GRAND RIVER ACADEMY— GALLATIN ACADEMY 146-153
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER XL
BENCH AND BAR.
THREE CIRCUIT JUDGES FROM DAVIESS COUNTY— FIRST TERM OF CIRCUIT COURT
HELD IN 1837— FIRST BUSINESS TRANSACTED— CHANGES IN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT-
CIRCUIT JUDGES— LAWYERS IN ISGO— LAWYERS WHO CAME AFTER THE CIVIL
WAR— ATTORNEYS IN 1882— PRESENT DAY ATTORNEYS— THE TRIAL OF FRANK
James 154-158
CHAPTER XII.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
WM. P. THOMPSON THE FIRST DOCTOR IN THE GRaND RIVER COUNTRY— OTHER
EARLY DAY DOCTORS— THE LIFE AND PRACTICE OF PIONEER DOCTORS— THE
DAVIESS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY— THE GRAND RIVER MEDICAL ASSOCIA-
TION 159-160
CHAPTER XIII.
THE PRESS.
FIRST PAPER PUBLISHED IN THE GRAND RIVER COUNTRY IN 1843— FIRST NEWS-
PAPER PUBLISHED IN DAVIESS COUNTY IN 1853— EARLY DAY NEWSPAPERS
AND PUBLISHERS— ED. HOWE ENGAGED IN NEWSPAPER WORK HERE— LATER
PUBLICATIONS— NEWSPAPERS AT GALLATIN. WINSTON. COFFEY, LOCK-
SPRINGS. JAMESON. ALTAMONT. JAMESPORT. PATTONSBURG AND OTHER
PLACES 161-168
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER XIV.
A CHAPTER OF "FIRSTS."
CHAPTER XV.
OFFICIALS.
UNITED STATES OFFICIALS— STATE OFFICIALS— DA^aESS COUNTY REPRSENTA-
TIVES— COUNTY TREASURERS— PROBATE JUDGES— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS—
RECORDERS — SHERIFFS — PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS — CIRCUIT CLERKS-
COUNTY CLERKS— COl'NTY Jl'DGES 173-179
CHAPTER XVI.
THE WORLD WAR.
BARLEY ENTRANTS FROM DAVIESS COUNTY— FIRST REGISTRATION— DRAWING
UNDER THE SELECTIVE DRAFT— EXEMPTION BOARD— FIRST GROUP OF MEN
CHOSEN— LEAVING FOR CAMP— KILLED IN ACTION— DIED OF DISEASE—
WOUNDED— DAVIESS COl'NTY SOLDIERS— RETURN OF SOLDIERS— AUXILIARY
WAR WORK— LIBERTY LOANS— UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN— THRIFT STAMP
CAMPAIGN— COUNCIL OF DEFENSE 180-194
CHAPTER XVII.
AMERICAN RED CROSS.
FIRST APPEAL— DAVIESS COUNTY CHAPTER ORGANIZED- BRANCH CHAPTERS-
GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP- SCHOOL AUXILIARY— RED CROSS WEEK- FIRST AID
CLASS— MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE— WELCOME HOME ENTERTAIN-
MENT— .\WARDS FOR SERVICE— PEACE PROGRAM 195-199
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER XVIII.
SOCIETIES AND LODGES.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC— SONS OF VETERANS— PATRONS OF Hl'SBANDRT—
YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION— UNITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS—
P. E. O. SISTERHOOD— JAMESPORT FORTNIGHTLY CLUB— DAVIESS COUNTY
IMMIGRATION SOCIETY— DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— THE W.
C. T. U.— MASONIC— EASTERN STAR— KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS— I. O. O. F.— RE-
BEKAHS— AMERICAN LEGION 200-211
PART II.
History of Gentry County.
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
THE AUTHOR'S OBSERVATION OF SIXTY-FIVE YEARS IN GENTRY COI'NTY— HIGH
POINTS OF HISTORY— PROGRESS OF GENTRY COUNTY— ADHERENCE TO FACTS—
"HARKING BACK" 213-214
CHAPTER II.
TERRITORIAL HISTORY.
CLAIMED BY RIGHT OF DISCOVERY— INDIANS' RIGHTS SWEPT ASIDE— LOUISIANA
PURCHASE— TERRITORY OF MISSOURI ORGANIZED— HO'WARD COUNTY ESTAB-
LISHED— "THE MOTHER OF COUNTIES" -GENTRY COUNTY ORGANIZED IN 1845—
NAMED IN HONOR OF COLONEL GENTRY— LOCATION 215-216
CHAPTER III.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOPOGRAPHY.
■SVHAT CONSTITUTES NATURAL RESOURCES— AVAILABLE AND POTENTIAI^-MIN-
ERAL SPRINGS— RAINFALI^PHYSICAL FEATURES— SCENERY AND SOIL— "A
LAND OF PROMISE." 217-218
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER IV.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
NONK OF THE FIRST SETTLERS NOW LIVING— CONQUEST OF THE NINETEENTH
CENTURY— WHAT THE PIONEERS BROUGHT— THEIR AMBITIONS- SETTLEMENT
BEGAN IN 1834— FIRST SETTLERS— OTHER SETTLERS— FIRST SCHOOI^FIRST
POSTOFFICE:— FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN COUNTY- FIRST CHURCH— EARLY
PREACHERS 219-221
CHAPTER V.
PIONEER LIFE.
REMINISCENT AND TRADITIONAL — THE PIONEER'S HOME — IMPLEMENTS — HIS
TRIALS AND PRIVATIONS— SCARCITY OF NECESSITIES— BUILDING THE LOG
CABIN— THE CRUDE FURNITURE— COMMUNITY SPIRIT— PASTIMES— GAME AND
FISH— THE BLACKSMITH— GRISTMILL AND TRADING POST 222-228
CHAPTER VI.
FIRST COURTS.
MET IN 1845— OFFICERS APPOINTED— BI'SINESS TRANSACTED— CREATED SIX MUNIC-
IPAL TOWNSHIPS— FIRST PETITION FILED IN CIRCUT COURT— EARLY RECORDS
—RECORD BOOK STILL IN EXISTENCE 229-234
CHAPTER VII.
COUNTY BUILDINGS.
COURTHOUSE— JAIL— COUNTY FARM BUILDINGS 235-241
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER VIII.
TOWNSHIPS.
ATHENS— BOGLE— COOPER— HOWARD— JACKSON— HUGGINS— MILLER— WILSON. 242-259
CHAPTER IX.
CITIES AND TOWNS.
ALBANY— AT FIRST CALLED ATHENS— LOCATION— FIRST HOUSE— FIRST BUSINESS
AND PROFESSIONAL MEN— TOWN INCORPORATED— FIRST SCHOOLS AND OTHER
INSTITUTIONS— NEWSPAPERS— CHRISTIAN CHURCH— PRESBYTERIAN-METHO-
DIST EPISCOPAL-BAPTIST— LIBRARY 260-271
CHAPTER X.
CITIES AND TOWNS— CONTINUED.
STANBERRY— KING CITY— GENTRY VILLE—McFALI^-FORD CITY— A LANTHUS— ISLAND
CITY— DARLINGTON— BERLIN— GENTRY— EVONA— OTHER TOWNS 272-281
CHAPTER XI.
AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED INDUSTRY.
FAVORABLE SOIL AND CLIMATE— DIVERSITY OF PRODUCTS— CORN EXHIBITS— POUL-
TRY SHOW— COMPARISON OF 1902 CROP— LIVE STOCK AND OTHER PRODUCTS-
DOMESTIC ANIMALS— WORLD'S FAIR WINNERS— STOCK BREEDERS— POITLTRY
EXPERTS— FINE GRASSES — CALF AND PIG SHOW — HORSES — "IF GENTRY
COUNTY WERE MY NATIVE LAND." 282-294
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER XII.
CIVIL WAR PERIOD
OPINIONS DIVIDED— POPULATION MADE UP OF NORTHERNERS AND SOUTHERNERS-
DEVELOPMENT RETARDED— P'EDERAL CONTROL MAINTAINED 295-296
CHAPTER XIII.
RAILROADS AND HIGHWAYS.
AGITATION FOR RAILWAYS BEGINS— FIRST ROAD IN THE COUNTY— THE WABASH-
LEON. MOUNT AYER AND SOUTHWESTERN— STATIONS IN THE COUNTY— HIGH-
WAYS— JEFFERSON HIGHWAY— HARD SURFACE ROADS 296-298
CHAPTER XIV.
SCHOOLS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS— TEACHERS INSTITUTE— HIGHER STANDARDS— HEALTH WORK IN
SCHOOLS — TEACHERS ASSOCIATION — CONOLIDATION — PALMER COLLEGE —
NORTHWEST MISSOURI COLLEGE— CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE 299-305
CHAPTER XV.
LODGES, SOCIETIES AND CLUBS.
MASONIC LODGES— THE EASTERN STAR— INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS-
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION— CIVIC CLUB— LADIES LITERARY
CLUB— DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— P. E. O.— CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE 306-312
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
CHAPTER XVI.
WORLD WAR.
GENTRY COUNTY RESPONDS— TWENTY-NINE GOLD STARS— A LIST OF EX-SERVICE
MEN FROM GENTRY COUNTY- NECROLOGY— RED CROSS AND OTHER ORGANI-
ZATIONS—BOND SALES 313-325
CHAPTER XVII.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
COUNTY COURT JUDGES— PROBATE JItdGES— CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT— CLERKS
OF COUNTY COURTS— CIRCUIT AND COUNTY ATTORNEYS— SHERIFFS— COLLEC-
TORS— ASSESSORS— TREASURERS— JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT— REPRE-
SENTATIVES— COUNTY SURVEYORS— SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS— CORONERS-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS 326-330
PART III.
Biographical.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Albany High School Building 213
Alexander, Joshua W 331
Allsup, J. W 400
Austin. Fred S 528
Bank Building Robbed by the James
Boys 128
Bennett, James B 416
Brandom, Silvester W 576
Brown, Mrs. Elizabeth A 488
Brown, Marcus M 488
Caldwell, Joseph M 904
Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Salathiel 592
Carter, W. H. and Grandson 624
Court House, Daviess County 65
Court House, Gentry County 213
Culver, Elmer L 480
Culver, Mrs. Mary Olive 480
Dale, Lawrence T 848
Dockery, .\le.\ander M 352
Dudley, Col. Boyd 344
Dunavan, Lewis R 816
Dunavan, Mrs. Lewis R 816
Enyart, James E 536
Ernst, C. E 424
Foley, E. M., Jr 704
Gallatin, South Side Square 96
Gay, George R 928
Gay, James and Anna F 864
Gillett, Mr. and Mrs. John R 936
Gould, Residence of Will S 768
Green, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. and chil-
dren 456
Greenwell, Alexander 512
Griffeth, Mr. and Mrs. C. J 888
Hadley, ' Larkin F 520
Hadley, Mrs. Larkin F 520
Hamilton, Wood H 384
Harpster, Ray 832
Harrison, Clifford M 656
Hedges, Dr. Frank 984
Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. John F. .. 880
Hemry, Charles 368
High School Building, Gallatin 96
Hosman. Leonard M 376
Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. Richard 800
Hunter, Jesse T. and Family 464
Jarrett, Samuel A and .-Mmira 960
Jefferies, Thomas J 784
Johnson, W. A 920
Jolly, Mr. and Mrs. James Perry... 552
Kemp, J. H 720
Killam, Sam C 448
Knight, Residence of Idella 640
Leopard, John C Frontispiece
McCammon, R. M Frontispiece
McClure, Jonathan 856
McClure, Mrs. Jonathan 856
McCoy, Mr. and Mrs. J. J 896
McCray, Robert D 872
McDaniel. J. W 992
McDaniel, J. W. Mrs 992
Macy, W. C 392
Mann, Moses 560
Mettle, Oliver 360
Miller, Martin Van Buren 544
Milling Company. Daviess County.. 600
Palmer College 304
Peniston, Mr. and Mrs. .\nthony... 608
Pogue, George H 752
Poviell, Mr. and Mrs. Lew Wallace
and daughter 912
Preston, Mr. and Mrs. John 504
Prichard, William M. and Family... 944
Robertson, Wesley L 672
Shockley, L. L 440
Stanberry Public School 272
Stanberry, South Side of Park 304
Stanberry, View of First Street.... 272
Todd, Mr. and Mrs. Levi 472
Townsend, W. P 408
Transportation, Early Day 240
Trosper, Mr. and Mrs. William B... 688
Yost, Cornelius 968
Y. M. C. A. Building, Gallatin 192
Waltemath, John .A 496
Waltemath, Mrs. John .\ 496
Waters, Davis E 952
Waters, Mrs. Davis E 952
Waters. Residence of Davis E 952
Wetzel, Mr. and Mrs. Reuben 736
PART I.
History of Daviess Counhj.
CHAPTER I.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
TERRITORY EMBRACING DAVIESS COUNTY-INDIAN OCCUPATION— FIRST SETTLERS-
SETTLEMENT OF BENTON TOWNSHIP— SETTLEMENT IN OTHER TOWNSHIPS-
NATIVITY OF PIONEER SETTLERS— CHARACTER AND NATIVITY OF LATER
ARRIVALS.
The territory now embraced in Daviess County was at the formation
of the State of Missouri, attached to the county of St. Charles, which in-
cluded all of the territory lying North of the Missouri River as well as some
territory south of the river. The County of Howard was organized by the
territorial legislature in January, 1816, and the present Daviess County was
attached to this new county. In 1820 the first State Legislature organized
the County of Ray which embraced that part of the State lying North of
the Missouri River and west of Grand River.
It was not until 1830, however, that the first white man settled in
what is now Daviess County. This territory had formerly been inhabited
by tribes of Sacs, Foxes, Pottawatomies and Musquakies and it was not
until 1834 that the last Indian camp disappeared. Their last camp was
Auberry Grove, north of the present town of Jamesport. It is said that
hunters and trappers had visited this section of the country as early as
1826 but no homes had been built prior to 1830.
Probably the first house in the county was built by John and Mayberry
Splawn, who came to the county in Jan., 1830. The cabin was erected near
the present site of the Rock Island depot. The Splawns soon removed east
of Gallatin to what is still known as Splawn Ridge. The third cabin was
built by John Tarwater. The Splawns, Tarwaters and Stephen Roberts
came in January and February. In the spring James Weldon, Benedict
66 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Weldon, Humphrey Best, Daniel Devaul and his son, James R., John
Stokes, Christopher Stone and his sons, James, Hardin, Robert and Wil-
liam and John Edward followed.
In 1831, many settlers came in. The following settled on Honey and
Marrowbone Creeks : Josiah and Jesse Morin, Thomas Edwards, Lewis
Linville, Philip Covington and Elisha B. Creekmore. Not far away lived
Andrew McHaney and Meriwether T. Green. Jacob S. Rogers, L. Brook-
shier, William Runnels, Thomas Aubeny and William Morgan also came
in 1831. Rogers settled below the mouth of Honey Creek and had a ferry.
The others of those last named settled east of the river not far from the
Splawns, Edwards and others.
Robert P. Peniston, Sr., and his son, William P. came to the county in
1831. The family had come out from Kentucky the year before and had
settled in Ray County. Mr. Peniston, after visiting this county, was so
favorably impressed that he decided to locate on the site afterwards known
as Millport. The rest of the family were Robert P., Jr., Thomas, Francis
and Theodore. From 1831 to 1833, Benjamin Sampson, Elijah Frost, H.
W. Enyart, Benjamin Vasser, William Prewett, Benjamin Burns, Wiley
Cope and family, Russell and Solomon Frazier, Jerry Burns and John
McCully all settled in what later became Grindstone Township, now Mar-
ion and Benton Townships. Adam Black located in Jamesport Township.
The first settlement in Benton Township was in 1833. Benjamin
Sampson came from Tennessee and settled on the western side of the
township — about a mile from the county line. Later in the year H. W.
Enyart came, locating a little over a mile from Mr. Sampson. During the
winter and the following spring Benjamin and Jerry Burns, John McCul-
ly, Charles and Isaac Burns and John Githens, all natives of Kentucky, lo-
cated in the township. Mr. Enyart taught the first school and built the
first loom used in the township. Liberty and later St. Joseph were the
principal trading points of these settlers.
Colfax Township was first settled by Momions in 1836. Practically
nothing is known of settlements made there prior to 1840. Probably the
first settlers after the Mormons were James, Joseph and Edward Wood,
all of whom came from Kentucky in 1839. Abner Osbom, from Indiana,
soon followed. Benjamin Rowell, from New York, came in 1840 and lo-
cated on the south side of Marrowbone Creek. In 1841 John Castor, a
soldier in the war of 1812, came from Ohio. He had seven sons, who also
became citizens of this township. Other pioneers in this locality were
the Kelsos, Rev. Jeremiah Lenhart, Ira Hulette, Luther Cole, Jesse Osborn,
and James Drake, all of whom came in 1841 and 1842. Camden was the
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 67
chief trading point for these settlers, with Richmond and occasionally Lib-
erty receiving a share of the trade.
The first settler in Grand River Township was Solomon Tetherow,
who came in the spring of 1831. There is some doubt as to whether
Mr. Tetherow or John Splawn built the first cabin in the county. William
Bowman, the first sheriff of the county, came a few weeks afterwards.
In 1833 John Tai-water and his wife, Nancy Tarwater, located in this
township, but had lived at anothpr point in the county prior to that time.
John Martin and his wife came in 1833, Adam Black in 1834, John Roland,
Alfred Coots and James O'Dell in 1835. Richmond and Liberty were the
chief trading points of these settlers.
1831 marks the first settlement in what is now Harrison Township,
Eli Wilson and Benedict Weldon came first, both from Tennessee. Nicholas
and Elijah Trosper, Thomas Reed and Manuel Martin, all Kentuckians,
came soon afterwards. Obediah Ramsbottom, another of the pioneer set-
tlers of this township, was a native of England.
Jackson Township had as its first permanent resident Robert P. Pen-
iston, who built a cabin there in 1833. Daniel Girdner, John Oxford and
Robert McHaney also staked out claims there. All of these settlers were
from Kentucky. The first loom in the township was owned by Mrs. John
Oxford.
Thomas Auberry was the first settler in Jamesport Township. Prior
to his coming to Daviess County in 1834, he had been a resident in Ray
County and had laid out the town of Richmond. He is described as being
"a preacher, doctor, farmer, horse-trader, horse-racer, surveyor,"
and "could play at cards so as to come out ahead about as often as
his opponent." Settlers came slowly to this section of the county — they
preferred the timber to the prairie. In 1837 and 1838 a number of Vir-
ginians came in — James Callison, Richard Hill, John McClung and Robert
Miller. Isaac Jordin, James C. Hill and others came within a short tme.
Jefferson was one of the first townships to attract homeseekers.
Anderson Smith, a native of Tennessee, and his wife came from Clay
County in 1834. Judge Henderson and John Owings, came the same year.
During the next two years John Higgins, Elijah Armstrong and Wiley
Cope, all from Tennessee, became residents of the township.
William M. Prewett and John Smith were the first settlers in Liberty
Township. They came in the spring of 1834. H. W. and Elisha Creek-
more, Tobias Miller and T. P. Gilreath came a few months later. All
but John Smith were Kentuckians, although several of them resided in
other counties in Missouri before coming to Daviess County. During the
first two years the settlers had to go to Richmond or Liberty to have their
68 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
grain ground. A few years later a mill was built on the border of DeKalb
County and the longer journeys were no longer necessary.
Lincoln Township was settled comparatively late, John Williams,
who came in 1837, being the first resident. Mrs. Sarah Williams soon set-
tled in the same section. Reuben Macy and Thomas Brown followed in
1838. All came from Kentucky. Peter Bear, a native of Ohio, came
in March, 1839, and John Mikels, a native of Kentucky but for a time
a resident of Indiana, come the same month. Other pioneer settlers
were William and Berg Shirley, from Indiana, Jacob Brown, from Ohio,
and Joseph Everly, originally from Pennsylvania but more recently a res-
ident of Indiana.
David and James Brown came to this county in 1832 and settled in
what later became Marion Township. Ebenezer Fields, Thomas Penning-
ton and a few others came in 1833. Before 1838 Rebecca Clevenger,
David Groomer, Taylor McCulley, William Roper and Elijah Frost had be-
come residents of the township. The majority of these settlers came
•from Kentucky. Asa, Ross and Henry Vanover, also from Kentucky, came
in 1838. Mrs. Rebecca Clevenger and Mrs. William Roper were e.specially
noted for their skill in weaving.
Many of the early settlers of Monroe Township have already been
mentioned. Hardin Stone, Samuel McDow, John Stokes, and William
Stone came in 1833. The next year Andrew McHaney, M. Wilson, T. B.
Blakely, George Hemry, B. Osborn, Elijah Foley, William Splawn and
others arrived. The Stones were from the Carolinas, McHaneys from
Virginia and the Stokes from Kentucky.
The first residents of Salem Township were Jonathan and Alexander
Liggett, natives of Tennessee, who came in 1837. A short time later
Aurelius Richardson, A. G. Dergin and Matthew Harboard settled in the
vicinity of where Coffey is now located. John Severe came in 1841 and
built a water-mill at the Rocky Ford on Cypress Creek.
In 1833 James McCreary preempted a piece of land in what is now
Sheridan Township. E. Mann and several others whose names are not
known, came the same year. Isaac Splawn, Benjamin Rowell, E. Kelso,
Charles McGee, Nathan Marsh, Anthony Mullins, E. Hulett, and A. Mc-
Murtry came the following year. In 1840 the McMurtrys, John, Joseph,
George and Samuel, brothers of A. McMurtry, came from Tennessee.
George and Reuben Noah, from Ohio, became residents the same year.
Richard Woodress, Dr. Samuel Venable, Thomas Kries, were also among
the 1840 immigrants.
The first settlement in Union Township was made in 1831. In 1830 a
hunting party from Ray County made up of John Stone, John Stokes, Dan-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 69
iel Devaul, Wyman Vanderpool, Thomas Linville and two others, had
been so well pleased with the country that they staked out claims in 1831.
The Splawns, Creekmores, Penistons and others came in 1831, 1832, and
1833. Millport was located in Union Township, and as a trading center
tended to attract residents to that section of the county. The location of
the county seat in Union Township also tended to give it a lead. Other
settlers who came prior to 1840 were John A. Williams, Thomas W. Jacobs,
Thomas Clingan, William C. Atkinson, Jacob Stollings, Lewis J. Dodd,
Philip Covington, and Marshall K. Howell.
John Williams, a native of North Carolina and James Munn, of Ken-
tucky, settled in the northern part of Washington Township in 1836. D.
Nelson Foster and his wife came in 1838 from Franklin County, Indiana,
and William Taylor from Kentucky.
A glance over the first few pages of this chapter shows that the over-
whelming majority of the early settlers were from south of the Ohio River
and of the Mason and Dixon line. A few were from Indiana and Ohio,
but practically none were from New England or the Central Atlantic states.
Upon examining the sketches of pioneers written by John F. Jordin in
his "Memoirs," all except one of the subjects came from Kentucky, Vir-
ginia. Tennessee and North Carolina. The McCues, Prices, Jordins, Bar-
ges, Gillilans, Hills, Drummonds and Callisons were from Virginia ; the
Blakelys, Penistons and Ballingers from Kentucky, the Oxfords from North
Carolina, and the Dinsmores from Tennessee.
At a later date the character of the population became more cosmo-
politan. In the history of the county published in 1882, sketches of 395
Daviess County citizens are given. Classifying them according to the
place of birth, the following is obtained.
Missouri 79 or 20 7c
Virginia 74 or 18.98%
Ohio 55 or 13.94%
Illinois 40 or 10.12%
Kentucky 33 or 8.36%
Indiana 23 or 5.82%
Foreign 19 or 4.89%^
Pennsylvania 16 or 4.057r
Tennessee. . . .14 or 3.55%
Maryland 10 or 2.53%
Five were from Vermont, three from Wisconsin, eight from North
Carolina, four from New York, four from Iowa, one each from Alabama,
70 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Deleware, Michigan, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Mississippi, two from
New Jersey. Of those of foreign birth, nine were from England, four from
Canada, five from Germany, four from Ireland, and one from Scotland.
By taking the same group and eliminating those who came to the
county after 1860 a much larger percentage is found to have come from
the Southern states. Of the 395, only 192 came to the county before that
date and the chart then stands:
Virginia 55, or 26.65%
Kentucky 26, or 13.52%
Ohio 26, or 13.52%
Indiana 20, or 10.41%
Tennessee 11, or 5.72%
Missouri 17, or 8.85%
North Carolina 9, or 4.69%
Pennsylvania ... 3, or 3.65%
Illinois 7, or 3.65%
Maryland 6, or 3.13%
In the latter group nearly 54 per cent were from the Southern states
as against 37 per cent in the first group. In neither group was an attempt
made to separate residents from Virginia and West Virginia. Most of
them came before the separation of West Virginia, and the biographies
frequently did not state the location in the state from which the subject
came. It is interesting to note that a great many of those who were born
in Ohio and Indiana were of Virginia stock. The parents came from Vir-
ginia, stopped in one of these states for a number of years, and then moved
on to Missouri.
While the 395 used as a study was only a small part of the population,
it is probably large enough to be fairly representative of the county. A
similar study now would probably show a larger percentage born in Mis-
souri, and a greater number born in the adjoining states of Illinois and
Iowa.
CHAPTER II.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.
PETITION PRESENTED IN 1836 BY ALEXANDER DONIPHAN— LOCATION OF COITNTY
SEAT— TOWN ORDERED PLATTED AND SALE OF LOTS— REPORT OF COMMIS-
SIONERS—EFFORT TO REMOVE COUNTY SEAT TO CRAVENSVILLE— OTHER
EFFORTS TO CHANGE COT'NTY SEAT.
On Nov. 29, 1836, Mr. Alexander W. Doniphan, then representative
from Clay County, presented to the House of Representatives "the petition
of sundry inhabitants of the territory attached to the County of Ray, pray-
ing the organization of a new county," "and also a petition of sundry citi-
zens of the same place and for the same purpose." Upon Mr. Doniphan's
motion, the petitions were referred to a select committee, Messrs. Doni-
phan, Head and Nolan.
On Dec. 19th, Mr. Doniphan, as spokesman of the committee, reported
a bill to organize the counties of Caldwell and Daviess. The Journal does
not give the original bill, but only change was made in the form — an
amendment changing the boundry line of Caldwell County. This amend-
ment was proposed by Mr. Blythe of Ray County and adopted on Dec. 21st.
On Dec. 20th, the bill was reported to the Senate, and on Dec. 27th,
the Senate reported that it had concun-ed in the passage of the bill. On
Dec. 29th, the committee on enrolled bills reported that this act with others
had been presented to the Governor for his signature. The bill was ap-
proved by Governor Boggs on Dec. 29, 1836.
Location of the County Seat. — The act creating Daviess and
Caldwell Counties provided that a commission composed of Joseph Baxter,
of Clay County, Cornelius Gilliam of Clinton County, and William W.
Mauzee of Ray County, to select a seat of justice for each of the new coun-
ties. They were to meet at the home of Francis McGuire in Caldwell county
on the 1st Monday in April, 1837, and select a site for the. county seat
of that county, proceeding as soon as possible to Daviess County. The
citizens north of the river and those on the south desired the county seat
on their side of the river. The south side won, but there has always been
^
72 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
a feeling among the people north of the I'iver that the seat of justice
should be removed to some point further north.
Just why one of the already established towns, Millsport or Cravens-
ville was not selected is not known. A site was chosen and the name
Gallatin was given to it. The town was ordered to be platted and a sale
of lots to take place Jan. 8, 1838. Lots might be bought on one or two
years credit from the date of sale.
It was not, however, until Sept. 3, 1839, that the report of the com-
missioners was recorded, and then they had to be hunted up by the county
clerk, Robert Wilson. Their report read as follows:
To The Honorable The County Court of Daviess County :
We, Joseph Baxter, Cornelius Gilliam and Jacob Riffe, being duly ap-
pointed commissioners to select and locate the seat of justice for the
County of Daviess, respectfully submit the following report to your Hon-
orable Body. After being duly qualified, we proceeded to your county on
the 11th day of September, 1837, and succeeded in finding the center of
said county, and after a minute examination of the county for several
miles around said center, we selected and made the location of said seat of
justice on the northwest quarter of Section No. 20, in Township No. 59,
of Range No. 27, and designated the place by setting a stake in the presence
of a number of your citizens on the 13th day of September, 1837, and
we believe that said location is the most eligible that can be made within
four miles of the center of your county.
Respectfully yours,
Joseph Baxter,
Jacob Riflfe.
Jacob Riffe had been appointed to take the place of William Manzee
who was "very ill and likely to die."
In 1840 a petition was presented to the county court signed by William
Michael, Joseph Everly and others asking for the removal of the county
seat to Cravensville. This would place the seat of justice within a half
mile of the geographical center of the county. Another reason given for
asking for the removal was because Gallatin was located "in that part of
the county which is mostly prairie and cannot admit so dense a population
as the parts lying west, northwest, north and east of the center of the
county, with the elements necessary to make settlements." Accoi'ding to
the petitioners, this would in the future make Gallatin difficult of access
to the future population. According to tradition. Judge M. T. Green threw
the petition to the floor and stamped on it. 93 names were signed to the
petition. At that time there were 280 taxable inhabitants in the county
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 73
and the law required the concurrence of three-fifths of the taxpayers in
order to secure removal. Lacking the requisite 168 votes, the petition was
rejected.
In locating the county seat all the requirements of the law were not
strictly complied with, and a question arising as to the legality of the pro-
ceedings, it was thought best to secure the passage of a legalizing act by
the Legislature. The request for this act was referred to a committee of
the Senate. It is evident from the report that the citizens desiring the
removal of the county seat had not been idle. The report of the com-
mittee found on page 187 of the Journal of the Senate, 1841, is as follows:
"Tuesday, Jan. 12, 1841. The committee on the judiciary considered
with some care the papers and evidence of witnesses in relation to the
contest about the county seat of Daviess County. They believe that the
County of Daviess has a good title to the tract of land on which Gallatin,
the present county seat, is located, but that there have been some inequal-
ities in the location of the county seat, particularly in the fact that the
title papers of the county seat not having been submitted to and approved
by the circuit court of the county.
"The remonstrance against the bill to legalize the county seat renders
it probable that a majority of the citizens of that county are opposed to
Gallatin being continued as the county seat, but as there is considerable
contrariety of opinion on that subject and as lots have been sold and con-
tracts made for public buildings at that place, the committee thinks it
best to legalize the present county seat at Gallatin with the express stipu-
lation that the seat of justice of said county may be removed at any time
hereafter by the citizens of said county under the general law if the re-
quisite number in favor of adopting such a course. The committee there-
fore report back the bill with an amendment."
In accordance with the report of the committee the legalizing act was
passed and approved by the Governor in Jan. 29, 1841. The act empha-
sized the duty of the county court to order an election for the removal of
the county seat if demanded by three-fifths of the taxpayers.
Another attempt to remove the seat of justice north of the river was
made in the winter of 1865-66. Cravensville had now disappeared but it
was proposed to locate a new town nearer the geographical center of the
county than Gallatin. The effort was without result.
An attempt to change the boundary line between Caldwell and Daviess
had been made in????. Mention of the bill is made in the Legislative
Journals, but since it did not pass the changes contemplated are not knonw.
In 1867 and 1868, however, Gallatin citizens were suddenly alarmed
by a petition presented to the Legislature by the residents of Hamilton.
74 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Hamilton is on the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad and was nearly three
times the size of Kingston, the county seat of Caldwell County. But Ham-
ilton was not in the center of the county, so the citizens undertook to put
themselves in the center of the county. The petition to the Legislature
asked that Township 58 be set off from Daviess County and added to
Caldwell and that a tract of land six miles in width extending the whole
length of the south side of Harrison County be added to Daviess. While
putting Hamilton in a position to secure the county seat, it meant that Gal-
latin and Bethany would be within three or four miles within the southern
lines of their counties. A letter in the North Missourian of Dec. 24, 1867,
from W. T. Foster, of Pilot Grove, Daviess County, stated that a majority
of the people desired the change. This statement was at least open to
debate. About the feeling of the people of Gallatin there was no doubt.
Captain Ballinger was sent to Jefferson City to protest against the pass-
age of such a bill. On Jan. 28, 1868, he telegraphed that the question was
"dead and buried" by the Legislature.
Since that time no attempt has been made to change the county line,
nor the county seat. Until after the building of the new courthouse at
Gallatin there was always a feeling that there was still a chance for the
seat of justice being removed north of the river and the largest number
of votes cast against the building of the courthouse was found in the north-
ern townships.
CHAPTER III.
COUNTY BUILDINGS.
COURT HOUSE— JAIL— COUNTY FARM AND BUII-DINGS.
Court House. — Daviess County's first court house was a private resi-
dence — the home of Elisha B. Creekmore. Here both the county and cir-
cuit courts met. At the march term of the county court, 1838, the ques-
tion of the erection of a court house and jail was discussed, and the fol-
lowing order was made:
"It is hereby ordered by the court that Philip Covington be and is here-
by appointed Superintendent of the court house and jail which is to be built
in Gallatin, and that he draft a plan of said building and report to this
court at its next regular term."
On March 26, 1838, this plan was presented and approved and an ap-
propriation of $6,000 made for the erection of the building. May 25, 1838,
was set as the day on which the contract for the building would be let to
the lowest bidder. The order further provided that the contractor should
be bound in a sufficient bond for the completion of the building within three
years, and that one-third of the payments be made annually.
Mr. Creekmore's home being outside of the county seat, the court, in
May, 1839, ordered that court from that time on should be held in Gallatin.
Mr. Creekmore was paid $13 for house rent for circuit court. He was
treasurer for the first eighteen months, and he evidently paid no attention
to the court order that business was to be transacted at the county se^t, for
he later made that statement that for the first half of his term of service
he received no salaiy and that he was finally dismissed because he persist-
ed in keeping his office at home instead of in Gallatin.
Just when the contract for the court house was let is not known, but
at the March term of the county court, 1839, a contract with Thomas N.
Aubrey, Robert P. Peniston and William P. Peniston was rescinded, and
"Philip Covington, supei'intendent of .said courthouse is hereby authorized
to give up the bond for the completion of said building to the said con-
tractors on the receipt of his obligation for the payment thereof." Evi-
76 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
dently Aubrey and the Penistons had taken no steps towards carrying the
contract into execution.
The court then tried two men — Jacob StolHngs and W. C. Livcy.
Their plans were accepted in March, 1840. The specifications provided
that the foundation was to be three feet thick, the brick wall of the first
stoiy to be 18 inches thick, second story 13 inches thick ; the building was
to be four square, two additional windows in the upper story, one over each
door, the wall and the roof were to be painted Venetian red, doors to be
painted a beech yellow, the door and window casings and sash to be painted
with white lead. The window blinds were to be green and the window
frames were to be put in plain and arch braces and mouldings to be put in
afterwards. The contractor was to be put under bond to put up the walls
and roof in one year and the remaining part in two years, each part pay-
able when completed.
In writing of the building of this first courthouse, J. F. Jordin says:
"So it was that these sturdy old pioneers with the entire revenue amount-
ing to but $286.44 started boldly to build a $6000 courthouse and a $400
jail. But there were giants in those days ! Men who were in the habit
of doing impossible things, men with civic pride who realized that their
lot had been cast in a land rich in latent natural resources and with brave
hearts and willing hands they approached the task of proving themselves
worthy of such a heritage. * * * * Coonskins were current money
of the realm and at 50 cents apiece it would have taken 12,800 coons to pay
for these public improvements."
Work was begun in the summer of 1840. The enterprise seems to
have been backed financially by Benedict Weldon. Various changes were
made in the plans, more time was granted, there were changes in contrac-
tors, and finally on May 1, 1843, the following court order was made:
"Now on this day come Joseph L. Nelson and prayed the court to re-
ceive the court house as finished (except the repairing of two windows
which have been broken since the completion, one bolt on each of the out-
side doors, repairing the plastering in second story and penciling chim-
neys) and that the court would order the Superintendent to deliver to him
the said Nelson the bonds executed to the county by Benedict Weldon for
the completion of said house. Whereupon the court proceeded to examine
the house, after which mature deliberation being thereupon had, it is
ordered that the house be received as finished with the exceptions above
named; that Tobias Miller, the superintendent, deliver up to said Nelson
the bonds of Benedict Weldon aforesaid." The total cost of the court-
house was $8094.55 Its dedication went uncelebrated. A writer in the
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 77
Gallatin Democrat of Oct. 8, 1908, gives the following description of the
building:
"The old courthouse was square, probably 40x40, no record existing
of its exact dimensions. There were two double door openings, one each
on the west and south. The courtroom took up the entire lower floor. The
rostrum was on the north side built high so that the feet of those on it
were above the eye level of the seated spectators. The courtroom was fur-
nished with wooden benches. Here it was that James S. Rollins and R.
M. Stewart, candidates for governor, met in a joint debate and would have
pummeled each other with their fists but for the prompt intervention of
friends.
"The stairway leading to the second floor was at the southwest corner.
There were four rooms upstairs, one too small for practical use on account
of the stairs, but was the office for many years of the early day lawyers
beginning with the late John A. Leopard. The probate oflSce was in the
northeast room, the recorder's in the northwest and the sheriff's in the
southeast."
A single story, two room structure was built about 1858 just east of
the courthouse and in it the circuit clerk and recorded, the offices being
under one official at that time, and county clerk's offices were established.
There were no vaults in the offices and the records were kept in desks or
racks having little or no protection.
A wooden tower surrounded by a balcony and ornamented with a brass
ball the size of a washtub topped the building. On gala days the band
occupied the balcony and the tower was decorated with flags. This cupola
was a constant source of trouble. It would leak. As early as 1849 the
court paid $85 to have it guaranteed waterpi-oof for two years and in 1870
the total repairs on the courthouse amounted to $1500.
As early as 1865 we find the local papers complaining of the condition
of the courthouse. The old building grew more and more unsatisfactory
and in 1883 the Frank James trial was held in a building owned by Judge
Alexander on the west side of the public square on the site now occupied
by the Payne Furniture Company. On June 12, Mr. Lamkin, of the Galla-
tin Democrat, had published this statement: "It is said that Governor
Crittenden and Phelps, General Shelby and other eminent men will be in
Gallatin to attend the James trial, and it is enough to make every citizen
of Daviess County blush with shame to be compelled to point to this miser-
able abode of bats and owls and say to these eminent visitors, "This is our
courthouse." After the trial the county court entered into negotiations with
Mr. Alexander, and the building was arranged to accommodate the circuit
78 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
court and one or two county offices. The old court house was torn down
in 1886, but the side building remained for several more years.
In 1890 the building owned by Judge Alexander burned and the Pro-
bate records were destroyed. The present building on the same site was
then erected.
Several propositions to vote bonds for a new courthouse were voted
down. In 1889 a proposition to erect a $50,000 courthouse was rejected by
a majority against of 223 votes. In March, 1902, the county court, on the
petition of the required number of taxpayers ordered an election to be held
on April 22, on the question of erecting a new courthouse at a cost of not
to exceed $75,000, to be paid for in bonds payable in five and due in ten
years, to be paid by a levy of not to exceed 25 cents on the $100 valuation.
A verj' light vote was cast and the vote stood 1526 for and 1118 against,
but since a two-thirds majority was necessary, the proposition was lost.
In September of the same year, a petition was presented to the court
asking for a vote on the question of issuing bonds not to exceed $70,000,
bearing 4 per cent interest and maturing in five years. At the election
on Nov. 4, the vote stood 1821 for and 1054 against, Washington, James-
port and Lock Springs precincts having a majority against.
The voters having twice within a year rejected propositions for build-
ing, the county court felt justified in making a contract for the use of the
Alexander block for a period of seven years.
The question was still kept before the people by the press, and in
1905 petitions were again circulated for another submission of the propo-
sition. It was proposed to build a $75,000 courthouse, to be paid for by a
special tax of four direct levies of 20 cents each rather than by issuing
bonds. More than 500 singned the petition and it was presented to the
county court by D. H. Davis. Accordingly, December 9th was set as the
day of election. Mass meetings were held all over the county. This time
the vote was 2299 for and 803 against. Only four townships failed to give
the proposition a two-thirds majority, and two of these went more than
two to one against.
An advisory committee was appointed by the county court in Febru-
ary, 1906. The members were Frank Ray, W. T. Smith, H. R. Hill, R. E.
Maupin, W. C. Pogue, John R. Handy, W. P. Minnick, D. H. Davis, W. H.
Kindig, E. G. Brown, J. H. Wise, Grant McCrary, E. M. Foley and Moses
Mann. The court selected as a building committee A. M. Dockery, C. M.
Harrison, J. W. Meade, Boyd Dudley and Weasley L. Robertson.
In April, 1906. architects submitted plans to the county court, but de-
cision was deferred for a time. The plans and specifications of P. H.
Weathers were adopted, and in August the contract for the construction
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 79
of the building were let to M. T. Lewman, of Louisville, Kentucky, at $69,-
625. Work was begun early in November, with J. W. Alexander, Superin-
tendent of construction, and M. E. Pangburn, accountant. In April, 1907,
the foundation was pronounced satisfactory. The cornerstone of the
building was laid on May 24, 1907, the Masonic lodge having charge of
the ceremony. On Monday, August 31, 1908, the court formally accepted
the courthouse and final payment was made to the Louisville company.
The formal dedication took place Oct. 5th. In the morning the corner-
stone of the Y. M. C. A. was laid, the Masons having charge. In the after-
noon the meeting was called to order by Judge George A. McWilliams.
Jail. — As stated in the account of the courthouse, Philip Covington
was ordered in March 1838 to draw up plans for a jail. The plan was ac-
cepted and an appropriation of $400 was made for that purpose. The
contract was awarded to John B. Comer in May, 1838, and a year was
allowed in which to erect the building. Mr. Comer was unable to finish
the work in that time and in June of the following year an extension of
time until December 25 was granted him. The court may have considered
a jail to be of more immediate importance than a courthouse as three years
was allowed for the building of the latter. The lack of a good jail was
presented rather forcibly to the citizens when in July, 1839 Maybeny
Mitchell presented the court with an account in favor of certain citizens
of Clay County for guarding Joseph Smith and others. The bill amounted
to $480. Since the entire revenue derived from taxation that year amout-
ed to but $460.30, $125.45 of which was delinquent, the dismay of the court
may be easily imagined. The matter was laid over to the August term,
and court refused to allow the claim. It was then by agreement certified
to the circuit court for final adjudication. This court found for the citi-
zens of Clay County and in Sept., 1840, the court ordered the claim to be
paid.
Again John B. Comer asked for an additional year in which to com-
plete the jail. The building was finally ready for occupancy in March,
1841. The jail is described as follows in Kost's History of Daviess County:
"It stood on the next block north of the public square in Gallatin, and
was made of hewn timber one foot square and notched down so as to fit
close. It was double, on one pin within another, with four inches of space
between them. This space was filled with straight poles dropped down
from the top. The bottom or floor was also double, like the sides. The
inner space of the building was 20 feet square and the height of the
ceiling was also 20 feet. The only entrance was through a trap-door in
the center of the ceiling."
The total cost of this prison was $560. In April, 1857, the court ap-
80 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
propriated $4000 to build a stone jail in the northwest corner of the public
square. James McFerran was appointed to superintendent its construc-
tion. The building was completed Nov. 15, 1858, and cost $7850. In June,
1859, a kitchen and smokehouse were added at a cost of $579. This jail
burned in ????, the general opinion being that it was set on fire.
In 1887, it was decided by the county court to errect a new jail, $11,-
000 of the county funds being appropriated for that purpose. A. M. Irving
was appointed commissioner, and submitted plans for a jail and sheriff's
residence. This jail has been used ever since. Recently a survey was
made by W. L. Nelson, representing the State Board of Charities, of the
jails of the state. He described thirty-two as being below a descent stand-
ard as to ventilation, sanitation, size or security. The Daviess County
jail was among the 32.
County Farm. — The first move to secure a permanent home for
the cai'e of the destitute of the county was made in 1864. Prior to that
time the care of the poor had been let out by the sheriff to the lowest bid-
der. Occasionally the court would assume the responsibility and fix the
terms for their support. The terms ranged all the way from $25 to $100
a year, paid quarterly.
At the December term of the county court, 1864, Andrew Shriver and
Samuel A. Richardson were appointed commissioners to select a site for
an almshouse and to report in January, 1865. A tax of one-sixth of one
per cent on all subjects of taxation was ordered to defray the expense of
purchasing the farm and erecting the necessary buildings.
The commissioners reported that of the several farms off'ered, what
was known as the Ward farm seemed to them the best suited for the pur-
pose and recommended its purchase at $15 per acre. The farm of 160
acres was purchased at that price, William W. Everly acting as agent for
the county. The following terms ivere agreed upon ; one half cash, $800
within two months and $400 within six months, with ten per cent interest
upon deferred payments.
This farm was of little use to the county. No buildings were put up,
and after a few years it was sold and another farm selected.
The farm of John Cooper was purchased by the county court in July,
1873. The tract included 100 acres and the purchase price was $2000.
In 1914 an examination of the county farm disclosed that miserable
conditions obtained. The conditions, when reported, created a demand
for a decided change. A petition was then circulated asking for a special
election to vote on the question of erecting a modern infiiTnary. The peti-
tion was signed by nearly 700 taxpayers. The court accordingly in March
1915 ordered an election to be held the first Tuesday in June. The propo-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 81
sition was to sell the present farm and purchase a site nearer the county
seat. A special tax of 10 cents on the $100 valuation for two years was
ordered to pay for the new building. This proposition was rejected by the
voters.
Since that improvements have been made on the present farm, and
while conditions are far from ideal, things are in a fair condition.
Not all of the poor are cared for at the county farm. A number are
allowed a certain amount a month, while other needy persons are given oc-
casional help.
The county also has the expense of a number in the various state in-
stitutions. At the end of 1920 the county had supported 42 persons in state
hospitals and assisted 47 not in state hospitals. The total amount expended
by the county for poor persons in state hospitals was $987.90, while the
sum expended for poor persons not in state hospitals was $4864.18.
CHAPTER IV.
CITIES AND TOWNS.
GALLATIN— COFFEY— WINSTON— PATTONSBTRG — JAMESON— CARLOW — LOCK
SPRINGS— ALTAMONT— CIVIL BEND — MILLPORT — ADAM-ONDI-AHMON — CRAV-
ENSVILLE;— PRAIRIE CITY— CRITTENDEN— ECLIPSE— OLD PATTONSBURG — VIC-
TORIA— ALTA VISTA— BANCROFT.
Gallatin. — The events connected with the selection of the site for the
seat of justice have already been mentioned. The land upon which the
town is located was preempted by Philip Covington. Some difficulty later
arose over the title and it was not until 1869 that the necessary quit claim
deed was secured. The town was platted in December, 1837 and the first lots
were sold Jan. 8, 1858. Main and Grand streets were each to be 80 feet
wide, and all other streets 60 feet in width. Jacob Stollings built the first
house in the town — located where the Etter Dry Goods Company now has
its store. At about the same time George W. Worthington put up a build-
ing for a dram shop. The first grocery store was kept by John A. Williams.
Thomas W. Jacobs opened a dry goods store and Jesse Adamson a grocery.
Compton and Mann a general store. All of these business establishments
were started before June, 1838. The first tavern was opened by Lewis J.
Dodd, while the "Mansion House" was opened in 1844 by Stollings and Peck.
Gallatin was first incorporated in 1854, the trustees being Thomas T.
Frame, Joseph L. Wilson, Alfred L. Barnett, George W. Brosius and Robert
Wilson. For some unknown reason no other trustees were elected under
this charter. On Nov. 7, 1854, Gallatin was again incorporated. Dr. John
Cravens, Adam Clemdenen, James Owings, Henry Whittington and Otis B.
Richardson were appointed the first trustees. By 1857 the town had a pop-
ulation of about 400 and then asked for incorporation as a city. The Gen-
eral Assembly passed the necessary act and it was approved by the Gov-
ernor Nov. 21, 1857. The first election of Mayor and Council was held in
May, 1858 when the following were elected. William M. Givens, Mayor; J.
H. McGee, S. T. Hill, John Ballinger and Henry W. Lile, Council. The
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 83
Council then appointed William M. Sheets, Clerk, William T. Osborn, Treas-
urer and C. A. Witt, Marshall and Collector.
During the Civil War there were no elections, control of affairs being
largely in the hands of the militia. In Nov., 1866, upon the petition of
Joseph of McGee and a hundred and one other residents tax payers, the
county court appointed Joab Woodruff, Joseph H. McGee, Samuel A. Rich-
ardson, D. L. Kost and John Ballinger, Trustees for the town until next
election. This enabling act seemed unsatisfactory and in Sept., 1868 a
number of citizens petitioned W. C. Gillihan, who was a notary public to
call an election to fill all vacancies in "office elective under the charter of
said city". The election of D. Harfield Davis as Mayor, Jacob Woodruff,
Robert H. Grantham, Benton Miller and James D. Vance, members of the
council.
A new charter was granted Gallatin in 1870 by the General Assembly,
and the first election under it was held the first Tuesday of April 1870, and
resulted in the selection of D. C. McDougal, Mayor, Joel H. Brundidge,
Thomas J. Grain, A. M. Irving and Amos Poe, council.
In 1877 an attempt was made to have Gallatin become a city of the
Fourth Class, but the proposition was defeated by a vote of 33 to 94. The
city continued to operate under its special charter until 1908 when by a
vote of 260 to 105 Gallatin became a city of the Fourth Class.
A number of additions have been made to the original town site.
In 1878 it was decided to macadamize the public square. The work
was under the direction of Squire Ewing. Morley and Venable were given
the contract for the south side at $2.00 per square of 10 feet. By 1882 the
work had been completed, as well as a road to the Rock Island depot. It is
now proposed to have the main streets paved. In 1905 an ordinance was
passed providing that all new sidewalks put down must be made of brick
or granetoid.
In 1906 Governor Dockery purchased a tract of land which he presented
to the town for a park. Additional land was purchased and Dockery Park
was formally dedicated on June 18, 1907. For many years the Catholic
church had owned a lot in Gallatin near the park. A controversy later
arose over the ownership and finally in 1909 an acre adjoining the park
was exchanged for the land in controversy. In the same year Governor
Dockery added two more acres to the park.
Since 1911 Gallatin has maintained a Chautauqua which is managed
by a group of citizens, rather than by a Chautauqua company.
The population of Gallatin in 1890 was 1,489; in 1900, 1,780; in 1910,
1,825; and in 1920 it was 1,747.
Jamesporl. — The story of the founding of Jamesport is best related
84 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
in the words of one of the founders, Dr. J. T. Allen, who in 1905 wrote a
series of articles for the North Missourian entitled, "Recollections of an
Old Settler."
"James Gillilan's house stood near where the school house now stands,
only on the West side of the street. Remember that there was nothing
east of that but prairie. I built my office in his yard in the spring of 1856.
I made a trip to Virginia in that fall. When I left I told Mr. Gillilan to
finish my office. When I returned it was nearly Christmas, but Mr. Gillilan
had not done a thing to my office. When I asked why, he said he thought
I would want to go to one of the new towns, which had been laid out in my
absence. I was, as the saying goes, knocked clear out of the persimmon
tree, as the understanding was when I left we would lay out a town where
it now exists. There was a spritely widow, a Mrs. Murray, who had laid
out a town thr-ee miles north of the Jamesport-to-be, and she called it
Edray. If any doubts this, look at the records in your county clerk's office.
Another town was laid out by Mr. Smith about two miles east. As I had
devoted a great deal of time in studying the law about how to lay out
towns, I found that Mr. Smith, although he had advertised sale of lots, had
violated the law by not having previously recorded the plat as the law di-
rects. So I scared him oflf by a threat of the law, and I told Mr. Gillilan I
thought we could beat the widow, as this was the place for the town. So
with his consent I platted the old town and got a young man named Solo-
mon to survey it. Not being accustomed to laying out towns, I made the
streets too narrow. Mr. Gillihan gave me choice of a half block, with the
privilege to select where I wished. I selected the lots where the old Buz-
zard bank stood. On the other half was erected the first hotel. We had
a public sale of lots and did well. I will state here that with Mr. Gillilan's
consent we had an agreement that no saloon should be allowed to hold any
lot. They finally beat us in this. 'As the children of darkness are always
wiser in their generation than the children of light.'
"This is a true story of the origin of Jamesport. Mr. Gillilan and my-
self pondered a long time as to the name we should give our new foundling,
and as we were both named James, we concluded to call it for ourselves."
The town grew slowly, having in 1870 only about 120 inhabitants,
with the building of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, now a part of
the Rock Island sj-stem, Jamesport took on new life. The first train came
thru the town on June 25, 1871. New business houses began to be built.
A grain house was erected by Franklin Collison in the summer of that year,
Dunn & Miller started a large store building and a lumber yai'd established.
In 1872 the Jones Mill was built. Between July 1, 1871 and Jan. 1, 1872,
forty dwellings and ten stores were built.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 85
In 1872 a petition was presented to the county clerk asking that James-
port be incoiTDorated.
Franklin Callison, Nathaniel G. Cruzen, Maro Thomas, A. B. Barnes
and Isaiah H. Jones, were appointed trustees.
By 1875 the population had increased to 400. In that year the board
of trustees undertook numerous improvements, sidewalks and street cross-
ings were put in.
In Jan. 22, 1881, Jamesport voted to become a city of the fourth class,
The vote being 78 to 22. Franklin Callison was the first mayor and P. H.
Lilly, J. C. Murray, Horatio Bunker and J. H. Berry made up the first
board of aldermen.
The Commercial Club has been especially active in the improvement
of roads.
Jamesport has one of the prettiest parks in this section of the state.
Coffey. — Located in Salem township is a small town platted under the
name of Salem but the post-office is known as Coffey. The official name of
the town is now seldom used. It was platted in 1856, and the plat recorded
July 29th of that year. In an account of the life of William Galbreath the
following data was obtained: "Uncle Billy Galbreath came to Daviess
County in Oct., 1848, and settled on the site of what is today Coffeyburg.**
*** He gave the ground on which Pennebakers store now stands to Cole
Brown and Frederick Westpheling in the early Fifties, provided they
would establish a general merchandise store, which they did, ****** Uncle
Billy was one of the committee, which secured the crossing of the old state
roads from Plattsburg to Trenton and Hamilton to Bethany at Coffeyburg
and the store located at the crossroads did a thriving business." The first
residence was built by Edwin Mclntire. William Triplett had the first
blacksmith shop and William Gillispie the first cabinet shop. The town be-
gan to get daily mails in 1876.
The building of the K. C. & I. Railroad which passes through the town
made it an important center in that part of the county. The population
In 1920 was 367.
Winston. — The 1882 history makes the following statements regard-
ing Winston : "It has a greater extent of rich farming country tributary
to it than any town in the county, not even excepting Gallatin, and if a
public spirit of enterprise is exhibited will soon rival in population and
wealth the seat of justice of Daviess."
The Chicago and Southwestern railroad was completed in the summer
of 1871. At that time a station was established about halfway between
Gallatin and Cameron. This station was at first called Crofton. The land
upon which the town was built was owned by Mrs. Susan Ethington, Fred-
86 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
erick Croft, Jacob Fleisher and Henry Koons. A large portion of the site
was donated to the railroad company for railroad and town purposes. The
railroad conveyed the land to a group of men in Gallatin known as the Gal-
latin Company. The company pushed the sale of lots. The town then be-
came known as Winson or Winstonville. The postoffice was established at
this point in Feb., 1872, and F. B. Brown was the first postmaster. There
being another postoffice in the state called Winson the postoffice here was
called Emporia. Up into the eighties the town was frequently referred to
by this name.
T. J. Jefferies was the first station agent and the first store was open-
ed by Joseph Swike in 1871. Henry Koons established the first hotel. The
first physician was Dr. Wilson, and Dr. D. M. Clagett came in 1874.
The town was incorporated in March, 1878, and T. J. Jefferies, D. M.
Clagett, Jonas Potts, John T. Taylor and Otho Preston were the first
trustees.
A commercial club was organzied in 1906.
The town has a population of 339.
Pattonsburg. — The plat of Pattonsburg is filed under the name of Elm
Flat. It is located in the bottoms of Sampson Creek and took the name
from the number of elms growing there. About a mile and a half north of
the town stood old Pattonsburg. When the Chillicothe and Omaha Railroad
was being built through the county in 1871, Benton Township subscribed
$20,000.00 to the road, said road to run through the old town of Patton-
burg. But instead the company built to Big Creek and there stopped for
a time. Business men from Pattonsburg began to move to the railroad and
soon the old town was deserted. The new town grew rapidly. A list of
business references in 1876 contains the following names. E. H. Tillery,
proprietor of the Valley house, Alex Edson proprietor of the Forest House.
Elm Flat was first incorporated Aug. 7, 1877, but an error had been
made in the description of the land. On Sept. 10th, the court granted the
amended petition.
W. G. Weldon, John W. Casebolt, F. E. Venable, Thomas J. Mattingly
and E. B. Christie constituted the first board of trustees.
On IVIay 28, 1895, the business section was almost entirely destroyed
by fire. The loss was estimated at more than $50,000. New buildings were
soon put up.
In 1909 the county was subjected to the most disastrous flood in its
history. On July 6th, the flood began. Big and Sampson creeks and Grand
river rose rapidly. A band of some thirty men headed by Mayor Maupin
started working on the dike near Pattonsburg, thinking that by rip-rap-
ping a great of the danger could be averted. Within a few hours the town
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 87
was under water except some of the houses in Highland addition. The
new drainage project which is on foot in that section of the county will
when completed, prevent the recurrence of a like disaster.
The population is 1068. The town has always had a group of business
men who were interested in good roads and they have managed to secure
the location of a number of trails thru Pattonsburg.
The citizens have recently opened a country club house.
Jameson. — The St. Louis, Chillicothe & Omaha Railroad completed its
road as far as the location of Jameson in June, 1871. A surveying party
from Chillicothe laid out a town at this point, completing the work on June
12, 1871. Benjamin G. Kimball was appointed as agent for the company
and on the following Monday, he began selling lots at $100 each. The land
upon which the town was laid out was entered by Charles Cravens on Oct.
2, 1854, and a year later a tract adjoining it by Ark Briggs. Henry Briggs
owned the land at the time the town was laid out. At first the postoffice
was known as Feurt Summitt, but the name was afterwards changed to
Jameson.
Herbert D. White put up the first building, a small frame building used
for a grocery and restaurant. The store building of a Mr. Threlkeld and
James F. Hamaker were erected within a short time. Elijah Hubbard was
in charge of the first hotel. J. W. Wanamaker, a blacksmith and wagon-
maker, soon opened a shop and did a lively business. William McCoy start-
ed a livery and feed stable. The first drug store was owned by Dr. William
Allen, who was also the town's first physician. The first lumber yard was
owned by Leeper & Grappler.
John A. Brown was the first postmaster, but was soon succeeded by
Dr. Walker. Squire Scott, one of the justices of Grand River Township,
held the first court in Jameson. The railroad books show that 24 cars of
grain and 53 cars of stock were shipped from the new town during Oct.
and Nov., 1871.
On Oct. 12, 1876, Jameson was incorporated, and A. 0. Siple, W. T.
Stovall ,J. M. Raley, A. Ingraham, and S. F. Howell were appointed trustees.
In 1882, a plot of ground was laid off for a public park. Here has been
held the annual event of greatest social importance to Jameson and the
surrounding community, the K. P. picnic, held each year on Aug. 9th.
The population of Jameson was 329 in 1920.
Carlow, an incorporated village in Jackson Township, is a station of
the Wabash Railroad. The town has several stores and a bank. A con-
solidated school has recently been built on a site a short distance north of
the village.
Lock Springs is in the southeast part of Jackson Township on the
88 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Wabash railroad. In 1890, it had 212 inhabitants ; in 1900, 246 ; in 1910,
255 ; and in 1920, 288.
Altamont is the youngest town in the county. In the early nineties,
the C. R. I. & P. Railroad built an extension of its line to St. Joseph. Win-
ston had expected that the division point would be at that place. Instead
the junction was located about three miles nearer Gallatin, and called Alta-
mont, meaning "High Mountain", and so named because of its elevation of
1,002 feet at the railroad depot.
All of the members of the present town board are women, with one
exception. It is the first town of the county to elect women to such posi-
tions. The population in 1920 was 349.
Civil Bend is an unincorporated village located in Marion Township.
It was laid out by Gilbert Canfield in 1868. The first business house was
built by John T. Price, and N. B. Brown was another of the early merch-
ants. In 1880 the population was 78. With the coming of the railroads,
other towns located along the railroad prospered at the expense of Civil
Bend, which has declined in population and business importance since 1880.
Mill Port was a thriving village when Daviess county was organized
in 1836. At that time the settlers on Lick Fork, Honey creek and Grind-
stone creek combined and managed to have the county seat located south
of Grand river. This marked the end of the prosperous career of the first
town in the county. Mill Port merchants lost no time in removing to the
county seat, where they were among the first merchants of the new town
of Gallatin. In the fall of 1838 Mill Port was burned by the Mormons and
no attempt was made to rebuild it.
Adam-ondi-Ahmon. — Early in 1837 Mormon immigrants began to flock
into Daviess County. They settled mainly south of the river. At the time
the administrative headquarters of the Mormon church had just been
established at Far West in Caldwell County. In April, 1838, Joseph Smith,
Jr., had one of his famous revelations which resulted in the establishment
of a Mormon town in Daviess County. Following the vision he tells in his
History of the Church how in May of that year he came up Grand river
until he came to the home of Lyman Wight, one of the most prominent of
his followers. Here they selected a town site, four miles south and one-
half mile west of Gallatin. This place had been called Spring Hill, but
by order of the prophet it was now named Adam-ondi-Ahmon.
Cravensville. — After the Mormons were driven from Adam-ondi-
Ahmon, a new town was established on the same site by Dr. John Crav-
ens, who had come from Virginia and had settled in Saline County, a short
time before the outbreak of the Mormon trouble. The town was called
Cravensville. For a number of years Cravensville contested with Gallatin
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 89
for the county seat. At one time 93 of the 280 taxpayers of the county
petitioned to have Cravensville made the seat of justice, but the county
court rejected the proposal. The town had ten or twelve dwelling houses,
several stores and about 60 inhabitants.
Prairie City. — The plat of Prairie City, located in the northern part
of the county, was filed by J. R. Vancil on June 1, 1857. As late as 1870
the village had an assessed valuation of $365, but at that time it had prac-
tically disappeared.
Crittenden was located in the southwestern part of Lincoln Town-
ship. Stage lines passed through it four times a week. In 1860 Joseph
H. Herndon was postmaster. After the war practically nothing was heard
of the village.
Eclipse had practically no existence except on paper. The plat was
recorded Dec. 15, 1856 by James Blizzard.
Old Pattonsburg was located about one and one-half miles north of
the present town of that name. About 1845 Matthew Patton built on Big
Creek the first water-mill in Benton Township. The settlement which
sprang up near the mill was at first called Patton Mill, but was later chang-
ed to Pattonburg.
In 1872 the Wabash Railroad built as far as the present site of Pat-
tonsburg, which was then known as Elm Flat. The business men soon be-
gan to remove to the Flats, but they took the name of the town with them.
The old town rapidly disappeared, and is now a cornfield.
Victoria. — Jefl'erson Township furnished sites for two towns, which
are now extinct. Victoria, named for the English queen, was laid out in
in 1855 by John Osborn, and was located less than a mile from the southern
line of the township in Section 32.
When the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad was built, trade was di-
verted to Cameron and when later the Rock Island was built thru the
country, Victoria was again overlooked and has been practically extinct
since 1880.
Alta Vista, also located in Jefferson township, was laid out by M. D.
Hines, in 1856. Mr. Mines conducted the first store located in the new town.
Alta Vista had the distinction of giving the first barbecue in the county on
July 4, 1858. Alta Vista has also disappeared, the name remaining only to
designate the neighborhood.
Bancroft was situated about a mile from the Sullivan County line in
Lincoln Township. In 1859 John Oram and Thomas Mickels each gave five
acres for the town site. The first merchant was Washington Nichols and
Lon Chaplin had the first blacksmith shop. This town enjoyed a greater
prosperity than its contemporaries. About 1890 the Omaha and Quincy
90 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Railroad was built through the county, missing Bancroft by about a mile.
Oilman was built at that distance from Bancroft. From that time on the
town fought a losing fight and has now ceased to exist.
CHAPTER V.
MILITARY HISTORY.
BLACK HAWK WAR— HEATHERLY WAR— MEXICAN WAR— COL. WICKHAMS MILITLV
COMPANY. COMPANY A. SECOND MISSOURI REGIMENT. N. G. M.
Black Hawk War. — Settlers had just begun to come into what is now
Daviess County when all of North Missouri was aroused over the threaten-
ed attack of Indians under Chief Black Hawk. In the fall of 1831, many
of the settlers took their families back nearer the Missouri River where
the county was more thickly populated and better protection was offered,
in case of attack by the Indians. It is said that Daniel Devaul when
the first alarm came announced his intention of staying and seeing the
thing through. He made a very heavy door to replace the thin slab one,
and cut holes through which to shoot. A few of the neighbors decided to
stand by him and the Devaul cabin was arranged to withstand the seige.
About this time a second alarm came, conditions seemed much more terri-
fying. Mr. Devaul and his two friends decided not to risk their lives any
longer and followed the neighbors to a place of safety. Some of the pio-
neers who did not leave the county built a block house surrounded by pali-
sades near a spring on the old John Merritt farm. Scouts were sent out
and every one was ready for business if the Indians appeared. But there
was no need for alarm as the Indians who sometimes visited the county
were very peaceably inclined.
A company of rangers was organized in Ray County by Colonel Skouts
and many young men living within the boundaries of the present Daviess
County joined the company. Among them were Hardin Stone, Theodore
Peniston and Milford Donaho. Maj. McGee relates this incident which
occured while the men were in service :
"It was while scouting at the head waters of the Chariton river that
the rangers met a company from Howard County on a similar warlike mis-
sion. During the meeting the question of markmanship came up and a
shooting match was arranged between the two companies. A Mr. Josiah
Davis was selected by the Howard County boys to show Daviess County
youngsters how to handle shooting irons while the gallant hunter and rang-
er Milford Donaho was selected as the Ray and Daviess County representa-
92 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
tive to show the Howard County boys that while they could hold a full
hand at brag, when it came to a sharp eye and a steady hand the rangers
were at home to all comers. It was reported a close match, but Mr. Donaho
was declared the winner."
The Indian War was soon over and with the danger removed the set-
tlers soon began to return and many others came with them.
The Heatherly War. — What is usually styled the "Heatherly War" is
impoi'tant chiefly because of the excitement it created in the northwestern
counties. A family by the name of Heatherly lived in what is now Grundy
County on Medicine river. With them were four men, Thomas, Watkins,
Hawkins and a colored man. All were regarded as rather desprate charac-
ters.. In 1836 they were organized into a regular horse-stealing band, and
made raids wherever there was any chance of meeting with success. In
the fall of that year they took horses from a man by the name of Dunbar
and his companion. Both men were killed trying to defend their property.
The character of the Heatherly gang being pretty well known, they were
under the necessity of doing something to divert suspicion. They there-
fore invented the story that the Indians, the lowas and the Sacs, were on
the warpath, scalping and killing and burning the homes of the settlers.
Any mention of an attack by the Indians was terrifying to the settlers and
they had visions of whole armies of savages pouring in upon them. The
inhabitants at Moore's and Thompson's settlements assembled. Those at
Moore's hastily built a block house. The militia was ordered out by Gen-
eral Thompson, two companies were ordered out from Ray, and two from
Clay, a number joining from Daviess and Livingston. It was soon learned
that it was a false alarm and the settlers determined to find out the cause.
It was soon traced to the Heatherly gang, who had stated that Indians had
been murdering. The bodies of the two men were found in the river. De-
tection being practically certain, Hawkins, one of the gang, turned state's
evidence. The gang was sent to the penitentiary.
The Mexican War. — The exploits of the Missouri troops in the Mexi-
can War are too well known to need repetition. Daviess County's part in the
struggle is harder to determine. In 1846 a volunteer company was raised
in Ray County and mustered into service on the first of August. This
company, Company "G", Battallion of Missouri Mounted Rifles, was com-
manded by Captain Israel R. Hindley. A number of Daviess County men
joined this company. Captain Hindley was killed at the Battle of Mors,
and William M. Jacobs then became captain. This company was a part of
the command of Colonel Alexander W. Doniphan. A company was raised
in northern part of Daviess County, and in Harrison and Gentry Counties.
This group became Company "H" in a regiment which went from Jackson
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 93
County. Captain Simons, who had raised the company, died on the way out
and Benjamin Salmon, of Daviess County, was elected to fill the vacancy.
In July, in a fight with the Apache Indians and Mexicans, Captain Salmon
was severely wounded. After the battle he was removed to a hospital at
Toas where he died the following February. Other members of Company
"H" from this county were Nathaniel H. Blakley, Granville D. Sego, James
A. Robinson, John M. Conkle, Samuel Gunter, Henry Johnson, Jacob Hoover
and Captain Meredith Morris.
William Y. Slack of Livingston County organized a company in that
county, and a number of Daviess countians enlisted. Among them were
Captain John W. Sheets, Francis Peniston, Jack Edwards, Thomas Latham,
James Wynne and John B. Comer.
Major S. P. Cox was a member of Company "D" of the Oregon Battal-
ion. This battalion was ordered to Mexico, but before they got out of
reach were ordered back and sent to Nebraska to keep the Indians quiet.
Stokes and English (first names not known,) Thomas B. Lynch, A. T. Pat-
ton, George W. Nickell, J. L. Haynes, W. P. Young (Ohio), and Henry
Akins Roberts (Illinois) were also veterans of the Mexican War. Stokes
died in service. There were, no doubt, many others from Daviess County
or who at some time have lived in the county who served in this war.
The return of these soldiers was not allowed to pass unnoticed and
the homecoming is described by Major McGee, "The citizens to honor them
had a great barbecue. Colonel Doniphan, their commander, was invited to
be present and dehver the speech of the occasion. The ground selected
was what is now enclosed in Block E, McGee's Addition to the city of Gal-
latin, all the ridge east of town being then heavily timbered. The tables
were spread on the top of the hill. The trenches for roasting the meat
were dug on the brow of the hill just above the spring now owned by Will-
iam Adams. Colonel Doniphan was present and talked for about an hour
in his usual style. He gave the boys a great deal of credit."
Col. Wickham's Militia, Co., A, 2nd Missouri Regiment, N. G. M. —
About 1882, Col. J. A. Wickham of Gallatin was made a field officer of the
Second Missouri Regiment, N. G. M. Company "A" was organized in Gal-
latin, but some of its members lived in other parts of the county. The
armory was over Etter's store. A list of the officers of Company "A" was
published in the Gallatin Democrat of May 27, 1882, which is given below :
A. M. Irving, Captain ; Frank Clingan, First Lieutenant ; George T.
Crozier, Second Lieutenant.
Non-commissoined Officers: William Johnson, First Sergeant; 0. A.
Smalley, Second Sergeant, C. A. Stout, Third Sergeant, J. A. Selby, Fourth
Sergeant; George H. Smith, F'ifth Sergeant.
CHAPTER VI.
THE MORMONS IN DAVIESS COUNTY.
LYMAN WIGHT THE FIRST MORMON TO SETTLE IN DAVIESS COUNTr— HEADQUAR-
TERS AT FAR WTEST— JOSEPH SAUTH. JR.. SELECTS SITE OF STRAKE IN
DAVIESS COUNTY— GROWTH OF TOWN— FIRST MORMON TROUBLE— LATER
DEVELOPMENTS— THE MORMON WAR— MOBOLIZATION OF TROOPS— EXTERMIN-
ATION ORDER— MALTNS MILL MASSACRE— MORMONS SURRENDERED TO MILITIA
LEADERS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENCE— SUBSEQUENT TRIAI.— REMAINS OF
MORMON OCCUPATION.
The facts included in this chapter are taken largely from "Early Days
on Grand River and the Mormon War," by R. J. Britten, who has made a
most thorough investigation of the subject.
The first Mormon to settle in Daviess County was Lyman Wight, who
came in 1837. He had left Ohio, hoping to be allowed to live in peace, and
settled first in Jackson and later in Ray County. Being driven from both
counties he came to Daviess County.
At this time the Mormons had just located their administration head-
quarters at Far West, in Caldwell County, and Joseph Smith. Jr., the pro-
phet began to select various places in the neighboring territory as stakes.
On May 18, 1838, Joseph Smith Jr., and others traveled north to the mouth
of Honey Creek, and the next morning crossed Grand River at the mouth
of Honey Creek and Nelson's Ferry, and followed the river to the home of
Lyman Wright. Near this place Smith selected the site of the city, "which
the brethern called 'Spring Hill,' but by the mouth of the Lord it was named
Adam-ondi-Ahmon, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall conie
to visit his people, or the ancient of days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel,
the prophet." (Smith, History of the Church.)
The new town grew rapidly, soon having over 500 inhabitants, a good
wagon road was built between Adam-ondi-Ahmon and Far West, making
communication easy between the two points.
A number of Mormons entered land, and it seemed for a time they had
indeed reached a land where they might live peacefully. But soon friction
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 95
arose between them and their Gentile neighbors. The Gentiles grew sus-
picious of the Mormons and no doubt held them responsible for many
acts of depredation with which they had nothing to do. A secret society
called the Danites was organized by the followers of Smith. The highest
degree in this order was that of "Destroying Angel." Whatever the real
purpose of this organization may have been, the other settlers in the county
believed that its purpose was to plunder and rob those who were not be-
lievers in their doctrine. The wrath of the Gentiles can be easily imagined.
The first outbreak came in Aug. 6, 1838. A general election was being
held in Gallatin. The Missourians attempted to keep the saints from vot-
ing and a general fight followed. One man was stabbed, and about twenty
others injured, but no one was killed. The Missourians were victorious,
and the saints had to leave. After this, according to the phophet, "The
brethern held a council about one-fourth of a mile out of town, where they
saw mobbing recruits coming in, in small parties of from five to 25 in num-
ber, armed with clubs, pistols, dirks, knives, and some guns, cursing and
swearing. The brethern, not having arms thought it wisdom to return to
their farms collect their families, and hide them in a thicket of hazel bush,
which they did, and stood sentry around them through the night, while the
women and children lay on the ground in the rain."
The news of this engagement reached Far West the next day, it being
reported that several of the saints had been killed, and were refused burial
by the Gentiles. Accordingly a group started to the scene of hostilities.
Thinking that Adam Black, then a justice of the peace, was largely respon-
sible for the difficulty, the saints called on him and secured his promise not
to do them any violence so long as he was not molested.
A meeting was arranged between some of the citizens of Mill Port and
the saints of Adam-ondi-Ahmon — Joseph Morin, John Williams, James
B. Turner and others representing the Missourians ; Lyman Wight, Vinson
Knight, John Smith, Reynolds Gaboon being the leaders for the saints. At
this meeting each agreed to preserve the others' rights, and that neither
would uphold wrongdoing, and that all offenders would be dealt with ac-
cording to the law.
Shortly after this, Aug. 10th, affidavits were sworn to in Ray County
by William P. Peniston, William Bowman, Wilson McKinney and John
Netherton, stating that Adam Black had been intimidated by the Mormons,
and that their leaders intended to "intimidate and drive from the county
all the old citizens, and possess themselves of their land, or force such as do
not leave to come into their measures and submit to their dictation."
On Aug. 16th, the sheriff of Daviess County, accompanied by Judge
Morin called upon Joseph Smith Jr., at Far West with a writ to take him
96 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
to Daviess County for trial for visiting the county on the 7th. He inform-
ed the sheriff that while he would submit to the laws of the land, he wished
to be tried in Caldwell County since the attitude of the people of Daviess
was so unfriendly. The sheriff then went to Richmond to see Judge King,
and returning informed the prophet that he was not in his jurisdiction and
that he could not act in Caldwell.
On Sept. 2nd, Joseph Smith Jr., sent for General David R. Atchison,
who was in command of a division of the State Militia, hoping that his
presence would stop the citizens of Daviess preparing for hostilities. He
also wrote to Austin A. King, circuit judge, asking him to assist in putting
down what he termed as a "mob." General Atchison arrived the next day
and was employed as counsel by the Mormons, as was his partner. Alexan-
der W. Doniphan. Joseph Smith Jr., and Lyman Wight agreeing to a pre-
liminary hearing before Judge King, in Daviess County, arrangements
were made for the trial to be held at Mr. Littlefield's near the present site
of Winston.
Court was convened at the Littlefield home on Sept. 6th, but no testi-
mony was taken and the case was continued until the next morning, at a
Mr. Rgalin's who lived further south, within a half mile of the Caldwell
County line. William P. Peniston was the prosecutor and Adam Black,
the only witness for the state. The hearing resulted in Smith and Wight
being bound over to court on a $500 bond.
At this time a wagon load of fire arms was being sent from Richmond
to Daviess County. Learning of this the civil authorities at Far West de-
cided to intercept them. A writ was issued, the wagon surrounded and
John B. Comer, William L. McHaney and Allen Miller put under arrest.
These men were held till Sept. 12th. Their preliminary trial was held at
Far West, when they were bound over to the circuit court, the charge
against Comer being "attempting to smuggle amis to a mob," and the
others as accomplices.
The arrest caused a great deal of excitement. The Missourians peti-
tioned the Governor to drive the Mormons from the state, while the saints
petitioned for his protection. On Sept. 11th, General Atchison ordered the
militia to Caldwell and Daviess Counties. The order was given to General
Doniphan, who reported on Sept. 15th that he had ordered Col. William A.
Dunn to raise four companies of mounted riflemen of 50 men each, and pro-
ceed to the scene of the excitement. General Doniphan, accompanied by
his aide, then went to Far West, where he took charge of Comer, McHaney
and Miller, and collected the arms captured by the saints. The arms were
sent to General Atchison. Comer was also sent to Ray County, while the
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING. GALLATIN
SOL'TH SIDE OK SUI-AKE. (iALLAI IX
II
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 97
other two were taken to Daviess County by General Doniphan where they
were released on parole.
Arriving at the camp of the citizens of Daviess and adjoining counties,
he read them General Atchison's order to dispearse. They insisted that
they were acting only for the purpose of defending themselves, but General
Doniphan reported "They still continue in arms marching and counter-
marching." Proceeding to the camp of the Mormons, Colonel Wight in
charge of the troops agreed to disband and to turn over all Mormons accus-
ed of crime if the opposing side should also disband. "I intend to occupy
this position until your arrival, and I deem it best," wrote General Doni-
phan to General Atchison, "to preserve peace and prevent an engagement
between the parties, and if kept so for a few days they will doubtless dis-
band without coercion." Shortly thereafter. General Doniphan arrived
and reported to the Governor that thei'e were 200 or 300 men in arms from
Livingston, Carroll and Saline Counties under the command of a Dr. Aus-
tin of Carroll County, whom he ordered home. "The citizens of Daviess
County, or a large portion of them residing on each side of the Grand River
have left their farms and removed their families either to the adjoining
county or collected them together at a place called Camp Ground. The
Mormons of Daviess County had also left their farms and had encamped for
safety at a place immediately on the east band of Grand River, called Adam-
ondi-Ahmon. Both parties have been scouting through the country and
occasionally taking prisoners and threatening and insulting each other, but
as yet no blood has been shed. I have been informed by the Mormons that
all of those who have been charged with a violation of the law will be in to-
day for trial. When that is done the troops under my command will be no
longer required in this county if the citizens of other counties will return
to their respective homes. I have proposed to leave two companies of 50
men each in this county and to discharge the remainder of the troops."
On the 18th, Governor Boggs ordered the 4th division, commanded by
General S. D. Lucas to the county, evidently considering that the force was
not large enough, or that General Atchison underestimated the gravity
of the situation.
Later General Atchi.son wrote the Governor that the citizens of other
counties had gone to their homes, as had also the Mormons, and that he
considered the insurrection at an end for the present. However, a portion
of the military force was left in the county under the command of General
Parks. On Sept. 25th, he wrote General Atchison that a committee from
Daviess County would meet the next day with a committee of Mormons at
Adam-ondi-Ahmon to propose to them to buy or sell.
But the suspension of hostilities in Daviess County was followed by as
98 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
serious trouble with the saints in Carroll County. The Mormons finally
agreed to leave the county, and they then joined their fellow-believers at
Far West.
Here on the morning of Oct. 15th, a company of about 100 men was
organized. The commander was a Mormon, Lieutenant Colonel Hinkle,
who held a commission in the State Militia. It is said that he acted under
the order of General Doniphan. This company, accompanied by Joseph
Smith, Jr., then went to Adam-ondi-Ahmon. On the 18th of October about
150 Mormons came to Gallatin, and finding but a few men in the place, took
possession of the town. Removing the goods from the stores, the business
houses were burned. According to Major McGee. "We could stand in our
dooryard and see houses burning every night for over two weeks. The Mor-
mons completely gutted Daviess County. There was scarcely a Missourian
home left standing in the county. Nearly every one was burned. Their
flight from the county had been so precipitated that they left all they had
behind, taking only their families and teams. The Mormons secured all
their property and took it to De Amon and there placed it in what was term-
ed the Lord's Storehouse, to be issued out to the saints as they might need."
According to the Prophet, the Missourians removed the contents of
their houses and set fire to them themselves and then accused the saints of
doing it. He also tells of threats made by the "mob," as he termed all his
enemies.
During this time, on Oct. 18, 1838, General Parks came to Daviess
County and went at once to the home of Lyman Wight, at Adam-ondi-Ah-
man. On the 25th, a small engagement took place near the ford of Crook-
ed Creek, and several of the Mormons were killed.
The following day Governor Boggs ordered a large force of the militia
into Daviess County. This order came as a result of petitions, he says,
stating that "The Mormons with an armed force have expelled the inhabi-
tants of that county from their homes, have pillaged and burned their
dwellings, driven off their stock, and were destroying their crops ; that they,
the Mormons, have burned to ashes the towns of Gallatin and Mill Port in
said county, the former being the county seat of said county, and including
the clerk's oflSce and all the public records of the county, and that there is
not now a civil oflScer within said county." On the 27th, the Governor
issued his famous 'Exterminating Order,' addressed to General Clark, in
which he states 'The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be ex-
terminated or driven from the state, if necessary, for the public good. Their
outrages are beyond all description. If you can increase your force you
are authorized to do so, to any extent you may think necessary." It is
said that General Atchison, upon receiving this letter, withdrew from the
i
• HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 99
military force, saying he would not be a party to the enforcement of such
inhuman commands. On the other hand, it is also stated that he was re-
lieved of his command by the Governor.
According to "The History of the Church," the Danites were organiz-
ed at this time by a Dr. Avard. In a speech to his followers he instructed
them to rob and plunder from the gentiles as this was the way to build up
the kingdom of God — laws were of no consequence under the new dispen-
sation. Naturally, this aroused the ire of the gentiles, and they were in
no frame of mind to believe the statements of the presidency of the church
that Avard's actions were unauthorized and met with the disapproval of the
Mormon authorities.
In the meanwhile troops were gathered in obedience to the call of the
Governor, and the feeling between the two factions increased. On Oct. 30th,
what is usually referred to as Haun's Mill Massacre took place in Caldwell
County. On Oct. 30, 1838, a force of between 2,200 and 3,000 men gather-
ed near Far West under Generals Lucas, Wilson and Doniphan. Before
the expected battle the leaders of the Mormons were delivered to the militia
through one of their number. Colonel Hinkle, who was supposed to be in
command of the Mormon forces. He had also made terms upon which the
Mormons agreed to leave the state. The Mormons later gave up their
arms and were ordered to leave the state. Their leaders were tried before
a military court (though Lyman Wight was the only one connected with
the military) and sentenced to be shot. General Doniphan refused to obey
the orders and threatened General Lucas if they had them executed. The
order was never carried out. According to the interpretation placed upon
one of the articles of agreement the church membership was held liable for
the payment of the debts of the war waged against them, and in this man-
ner deprived of their property. No hearing was given them.
On Nov. 4th, John B. Clark assumed command in Far West, with ex-
plicit orders from the Governor to carry out his "Exterminating order." In
speaking of the Mormons, he reviewed the terms of the treaty, stating that
the first three provisions had been complied with — their leaders given up
for trial, their aiTns given up, and their property signed over to defray the .
expenses of the war. He then advised them to comply as quickly as pos-
sbile with the last provision — to leave the state.
On Nov. 6, 1838, the Governor wrote General Clark, directing him to
hold a military court of inquiry in Daviess County. General Clark then
ordered Bragadier-General Robert Wilson to go to Adam-ondi-Ahman for
this purpose. He arrived there on the 8th. Every man in town was put
under guard, and the court established, with Adam Black as judge, and a
soldier in General Clark's command as prosecuting attorney. At the end
100 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES •
of three days, every man tried was honorably acquitted. General Wilson
then ordered eveiy family to be out of town within ten days. They might
spend the winter in Caldwell County, but must leave the state then on pen-
alty of extermination. This is a sample of the permits issued to those
against whom a charge had been sustained :
"I permit David Holman to remove to Caldwell County, there to re-
main during the winter or to pass out of the state.
Nov. 10, 1838. (Signed) R. Wilson, Brigadier General,
By F. G. C, Aide."
On Nov. 2nd, Joseph Smith Jr., Sidney Rigdon, Hiram Smith and other
Mormon leaders were started for Independence under a strong guard. They
were detained at Richmond and there 53 were held for trial, charged with
high treason against the state, murder, burglary, arson, robbery and lar-
ceny. Austin A. King presided at the trial. The testimony of Samson Avard,
mentioned above in connection with the Danite band, gave testimony which
confirmed the beliefs of the Gentiles regarding the purpose of that organ-
ization. Smith states that in his diary Avard swore falsely in order to
save himself. When the defendants were called upon for witnesses, Smith
says that, "The persons whose names were given were thrown into jail and
the few who were allowed to testify were prevented by threats from telling
the truth as much as possible." In spite of this 23 prisoners were dismissed
for lack of evidence. Finally, all but Lyman Wight, Hiram Smith, Caleb
Baldwin, Alexander McRae and Joseph Smith, Jr., and four others were
released. The first group was sent to Liberty, the other four to Boone
County. P. P. Pratt and Morris Phelps escaped from the Boone County
jail, July 4, 1839. Follet escaped with them but was recaptured. Luman
Gibbs, the remaining one of the four, apostatized and was acquitted.
Joseph Smith Jr., and his companions arrived in Liberty on the first
day of December, 1838.
After various preliminaries and during which time the prisoners ap-
pealed to the Legislature and the Supreme Court and no action taken, — on
April 6, 1839, Judge Austin A. King ordei-ed them taken to Daviess Coun-
ty. On April 8th. they were delivered to Sheriff Wm A. Morgan of Daviess
County. The grand jury was in session at the time, and returned a true
bill for treason against the prisoners and others. The witnesses were:
Samon Avard, Waterman Phillips, Adam Blaxer, Josiah Marin, John Cor-
ril, J. L. Rogers, Francis McGuire, Lebum Marrin, Henry McHenry, John
Edwards, John Brown, Robert McGaugh, John B. Comer, Jackson Job and
Ira Glaze.
Indictments against the prisoners for murder, treason, burglary, lar-
ceny, theft and receiving stolen goods, were also returned by this jury. The
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 101
prisoners pleaded not guilty when brought up for the trial before Judge
Thomas C. Burch. A change of venue was asked by Smith and his compan-
ions on the ground that the judge had been of counsel in the cause. The
request was granted and the case transferred to the circuit court of Boone
County.
On April 15, 1839, William Morgan and four guards started to Colum-
bia, Mo., with the five prisoners. On the night of the 16th the Mormons
escaped.
Only one log cabin remains to mark the site of the Mormon town,
Adam-ondi-Ahman. On the elevation nearby grows a giant hackberry tree,
at the foot of which is a pile of limestone. This spot is commonly referred
to as "Adam's Grave."
CHAPTER VII.
THE CIVIL WAR.
SENTIMENT DIVIDED IN DAVIESS COl'NTY— ACTIVITIES OF UNION MEN IN 1861—
COMPANIES ORGANIZED— HEADQUARTERS ESTABLISHED AT GALLATIN— GUER-
RILLA WARFARE— SKIRMISH — BOUNTY OFFERED TO VOLUNTEERS — UNION
SOLDIERS FROM DA\aESS COUNTY— COMPANY A— COMPANY G— COMPANY B—
FORTY-THIRD INFANTRY— SPECIAL ORDER NO. 6— CONFEDERATES— CIVIL WAR
INCIDENTS.
At the outbreak of the Civil War, the people of Daviess County were
divided in sentiment, probably the majority of them, however, being South-
ern sympathizers. Major McGee reports that while there were plenty of
Union men in the county, in Gallatin there were only 20 men who, in the
fall of 1860, favored standing by the Union and only eight would declare it
openly. Judge S. A. Richardson, S. B. Cox, John Ballinger, Harfield Davis,
Owen H. McGee, William V. McGee and Joseph H. McGee. James McFer-
ran, councellor of the group, kept in the background. The southeast cor-
ner of the square in Gallatin, occupied by Davis and Son, druggists, was
known as "Secession Corner." While Harfield Davis was a Union man his
father was a violent rebel. Finally the firm dissolved, Baalis Davis going
into business at Chillicothe.
The activities of the Union men during 1861 are told by Major McGee
in the following paragraphs:
"Dr. C. C. Hogan, my old family physician, had raised a company for the
rebel army, had them camped on Grand River bottoms, about three miles
from town. Rebel companies were now organizing and drilling all over
the country. Many of them would come upon the platform in front of my
office while Judge Richardson and I were in there and talk so that we could
hear them. They would purpose taking out what few Union men there
were in Gallatin and hang them. They never did. This kind of life could
not be borne always. We decided to put an end to it. Upon consulting
Major Cox, Captain Ballinger, brother William, John Shriver and myself,
we concluded to leave town and raise one or more companies, then come
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 103
back, take possession of the place, keep it. * * * We set the time for
us to leave. It was arranged that all should get an early dinner, then meet
at my house promptly at 12 m. At 12 o'clock sharp we all mounted our
horses, laid our rifles before us on our saddles. Two abreast we galloped up
the street and by "Secession Corner." More than 20 rebels were standing
looking at us as we galloped past. They had never dreamed of such a
thing. Their eyes bulged out to such an extent that you could have almost
thrown a lariat around them. I had part of a company enlisted who were
to meet us at Honey Creek. We went by, got them, went on to Cameron.
Dr. Folmsbee had enlisted a company on the east side of Grand River and
met us at Cameron. I had about half enough to organize a company.
"Learning that Colonel Craynor was disbanding his men at St. Joseph
and knowing that all the Civil Bend boys who were with him would reenlist,
Capt. Ballinger and myself got on the train. We went to St. Joseph to see
them ; found that they had all started for home across he country. We re-
turned to Comeron the same night. Early next morning we mounted our
horses and struck across the country to intercept them. We halted them
late in the evening, made arrangements with them to meet at a neighbor's
the next morning and go with us to Comeron to enlist. We all met the
next morning an went to Cameron. We were mustered into six months'
service under the call made by Governor Gamble. Col. James H. Birch
was our mustering officer. As Dr. Folmsbee had his company first made
up, his was Company A. Mine was Company .B. Major Cox was mustered
in as Major over our two companies. Meredith Morris was my first lieuten-
ant, McLain Wilson my second lieutenant.
"We were mustered in Sept. 18, 1861. We had no arms but our old
shot guns and rifles. * * * * We got word that Price had sent troops
across the river to tear up the H. & St. J. R. R. The objective point would
be Cameron. We kept our horses saddled and bridled for two nights ; had
pickets out for five and ten miles on the Lexington road.
"Judge Birch, father of Colonel Birch, our mustering officer, got on the
engine with the engineer, (it was not safe to run a train on the railroad on
account of Bushwackers) and went to Hannibal, got on a stemboat there
and went to St. Louis ; gave his individual bond for guns with which to arm
our two companies ; did not leave the city until he saw them boxed and ship-
ped to us. They were nothing but old Springfield muskets. We were sup-
plied with fixed ammunition, which made them a great improvement on
our former arms. We still remained at Cameron practicing our arms and
scouting through the country.
"Captain Folmsbee and myself concluded we would take a survey of
the county around Gallatin. When we started, I supposed we were coming
104 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
to Gallatin. When we got as far as where the Round school house now
stands, four miles west of Gallatin, Captain Folmsbee, being the ranking
captain, ordered the command to take the road leading to Esquire William
Everly's, near where the Crab Orchard church now stands. I was anxious
to see home. Tried to get him to change his order. He declined doing so.
It was probably well enough that he did not, as I aftei^wards learned that
Dr. Hogan's rebel company was expecting us and had concealed themselves
on each side of the road west of Major Cox's and intended bushwacking
us as we came in. We went to Squire Everly's and struck camp, which was
afterwards known as Camp Everly.
"We remained at Camp Everly until we had seen our families and learn-
ed all we could as to the intention of the rebels. It is singular how numbers
can be magnified. In Captain Folmsbee's company and my own we had
probably 150 men all told. Yet the rebels at Gallatin who could by occupy-
ing the cupola of the court house and using a field glass take in our camp,
as it was only four miles oflf, had magnified our number to 1000 men. We
did not try to undeceive them. After we had remained in camp as long as we
thought best, we concluded to break camp and return again to the railroad
where we could get our supplies. We camped the first night after leaving
Camp Everly at old Uncle John Castor's on Marrowbone Creek. We were
treated to the best he had on' his farm. Next day we moved to Kidder on
the H. & St. J. R. R. Made our quarters in the depot. Major S. P. Cox
now took command of us as our major. We remained at Kidder some two
or three weeks drilling. It was determined to return to Gallatin even if w«
had to fight our way in. We broke camp at Kidder early in the morning
and started for Gallatin. We were not interrupted on the way, entered,
took possession of Gallatin without opposition. To say that we were joy-
fully received would be partly true and partly false. By our families and
Union friends we were joyfully received but by the rebels of the town, they
would rather, as one woman expressed it, "have seen the devil coming into
town." The drama was now changed. For the last two months the town
and country had been under the control of the rebels. Union men fared
badly. Now that we had possession they expected there would be a retalia-
tion.
"I forgot to state that before we left Kidder some of the boys whilst on
a scout duty had captured Dr. Hogan. He had taken his company off south
to Price's army, had returned to recruit others. We countermanded his
orders. Captain Ballinger and myself took him to Hannibal, where he was
confined as a prisoner of war until he took the oath. He was paroled. It
took the rebel portion of Gallatin some time to settle down to the conviction
that they were still in the Union. They finally gave up all hopes of Price
y
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 105
coming to relieve them, accepted the situation hoping and praying for the
success of the Southern Confederacy."
Major Samuel P. Cox established his headquarters in Gallatin. In ad-
dition to the companies commanded by McGee and Folmsbee, Captain
Brumfield's company from the northern part of the county and two from
Harrison County were stationed there. The rest of the winter was passed
in scouting through the country, keeping out Confederate recruiting offi-
cers, arresting Confederates and requiring them to take the oath.
Service in the six months militia being ended in January, 1862, plans
were made to organize a regiment of cavalry of the Missouri State Militia.
In April the regiment was formed with James McFerran as colonel. Three
of the companies were raised in Daviess County, Company A, under Cap-
tain Joseph H. McGee, Company B, under Captain W. H. Folmsbee, and
Company G, under Captain John Ballinger.
On April 9, 1862, the field and staff officers were commissioned. The
batallion was perfected March 26th, except companies G and H, which
were added April 9, 1862. On May 28th, two new companies were added.
In February. 1863, the Fifth Missouri Cavalry (ten companies) was broken
up and three of the companies added to Colonel McFerran's regiment, while
Companies A. and D. were broken up.
Only one engagement took place in Daviess County and it was only a
slight skirmish — a sort of game of hide-and-seek. The official account of
the encounter is found in the official records of the Union and Confederate
Armies, Series I, Vol. 13, p. 207:
"Headquarters, Breckenridge, Mo., Aug. 16, 1862.
I have the honor to report that on the 5th instant 14 men of the First
Regiment of Cavalry, Missouri State Militia, under Lieutenant Goodbrake,
and 21 militia, under Captain Vickers, making in all 35 men, near Cravens-
ville, in Daviess County. Mo., were fired upon from the brush by 85 guerril-
las, under Davis and Kirk. The engagement lasted for about an hour and
a half, and resulted in the defeat of the guerrillas, with a loss of six killed
and ten wounded, 15 horses, and ten guns. We had three severely and two
slightly, wounded. Our wounded are all doing well and will recover.
"On the 6th a notorious guerrilla and outlaw named Wicklin was shot
and on the 7th a notorious guerrilla named Daniel Hale was also shot by
our troops in the forks of Grand River."
James McFerran, Colonel Commanding First Regiment Cavalry,
M. S. M.
Major James Rainsford, Assistant Adjutant General, St. Joseph, Mo.
A more detailed and widely varying account of this skirmish is given
by John F. Jordin. He says:
106 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
"Jesse Clark, who father was a Presbyterian preacher, and one of
the pioneers of Livingston County, came into this section from Mercer
County where he was then living, and having many friends and acquain-
tances in this and Livingston Counties he organized a small company of
volunteers for the rebel service. Clark represented to his friends that
there were many adherents to the cause of the South in Mercer and Schuy-
ler Counties and that if a company could be formed and invade those coun-
ties these men would flock to their standard. The company was formed,
that is, a few adventurous spirits were gotten together and started on this
wild goose chase. They invaded Mercer, passed through Schuyler, back
across Harrison, over into Worth and Gentry Counties, but the expected
accesion to their ranks did not materialize, so the expedition turned and
headed for Daviess County and home. The original number augumented
by some 30 or 40 recruits nearly all of whom were unarmed were met near
Di-Ammon by a considerable force of Federal ti'oops under the command
of Captain Woodrow.
"A skirmish at once ensued. About 15 of the rebels who had guns
held the Union soldiers in check until their unarmed companions got away.
Among those on the firing line were the men before mentioned. It was
their first baptism in the fire and smoke of battle but not a man flinched.
A desultory fire was kept up by both parties until nightfall. Charles Goben
was the only man hit on the Confederate side and in the darkness the little
band became separated and he was not missed until the next day when it
was found that Goben and Thomas Hicklin had been left behind. Hicklin
was unhurt but his horse had given out and he had wandered about in the
darkness and became lost. The next day he and Goben were captured by
the Federal troops. After his capture Hicklin was questioned about the
fight and as to whether or not he had taken part in it. He admitted at
once that he had. He was then asked to give the names of those who were
with him. This he politely, but firmly, refused to do. Threats and per-
suasion alike failed to move him and he remained steadfast in his refusal
to betray his comrades. At last he was given to understand in unmistake-
able language that if he persisted in his refusal to answer his life would
pay the forfeit. His answer to this grim ultimatum was characteristic of
the super-courage and unfaltering loyalty of the man ; "Be not afraid of
them that kill the body," said he, 'and after that they have no more that
they can do, but I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear ; Fear him which
after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say to you, fear
him.' " Thomas Hicklin had been a devout student of the Bible, and it
was fitting that the final answer that was to decide his fate was given in the
words of the Master. He was taken out on the prairie upon or near the
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 107
present farm of Robert Johnson in Grand River Township and there a pla-
toon of soldiers were drawn up and Hicklin was placed in position to re-
ceive their fire. An attempt was made to blindfold him but at his request
this was not done. And so it was with a courage that never faltered and
a firmness that the terrors of death could not shake this loyal soul calmly
met his fate. Truly, 'Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay
down his life for his friends.' "
Some of the Daviess County Federal troops took part in various en-
gagements in northeast Missouri in pursuit of Porter. Others were en-
gaged in the pursuit of Poindexter's men in Livingston and Linn Counties.
In August, 1862, the first regiment was sent to Lexington. For some time
these men took part in various engagements in Layfette, Johnson, Jackson,
Cass, Bates, Vernon, Cooper and Saline Counties. In 1864, the regiment
was sent to Sedalia and then on to Jefferson City, reaching the latter place
in October and taking part in various engagements in the vicinity. Early
in 1865 the regiment helped exterminate guerillas in central Missouri.
The county must have been quite thoroughly scouted. An examina-
tion of the history of the various organizations shows that the following
Union troops were on scouting duty : Livingston County Home Guard, Cox's
Batallion, James' Batallion, Burris' Batallion. The last named organiza-
tion was mustered out of service at Gallatin March 14, 1862. A Harrison
County Batallion was mustered into service at Gallatin Oct. 5, 1861, and
discharged at the same place on March 14, 1862.
In 1864 the county off'ered a bounty to all who would volunteer in the
service of the United States. The county's quota under this call was 169.
A tax was ordered to be levied in 1865 to pay a bounty of $100 to each
volunteer. 82 names were reported as joining under this act.
The Adjutant General reported that up to Dec. 31, 1863, the number
of men reported in the services from Daviess County was distributed as
follows :
18th Infantry 2
23rd Infantry 39
25th Infantry 60
35th Infantry 2
2nd Cavalry 3
11th Cavalry 32
12th Cavalry 1
Total 139
108
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Illinois Regiments 7
1st Nebraska Inf 1
Total 8
Missouri State Militia:
First Cavalry 467
Sixth Cavalry 14
Total 481
In the abstracts of quotas and ci-edits for the state of Missouri during
1864 and 1865, 261 men had been called before Dec. 19, 1864, while the
county was credited with 284 enlistments. Under the call of Dec. 19, 1864,
the c.ounty's quota was 90, but only 30 responded to the call.
The following list of Union soldiers is taken from the 1882 history of
Daviess Cuonty :
Company A. — This company was mustered into service Feb. 3, 1862,
at Gallatin, Mo., by Capt. T. B. Biggers. This company was commanded by
Capt. Joseph H. McGee, of Gallatin ; First Lieutenant Meredith Morris, of
Pattonsburg, and Second Lieutenant McLain Wilson, of Monroe Township.
On April 3, 1863, Joseph McGee was promoted to major; March 26, 1863,
Meredith Morris succeeded him as captain; Benton Miller as 1st lieuten-
ant, and McLain Wilson holding his position as 2nd lieutenant. Captain
Morris was dismissed April 26, 1865 ; Lieut. Miller was mustered out
Feb. 11, 1865, and McLain Wilson resigned April 23, 1864.
ROLL OF COMPANY A.
Privates.
Bear, Martin L. Doll, John H.
Blenkenship, Benjamin F. Flemming, Thomas J.
Blenkenship, Alfred Flemming, William H.
Browning, Alfred. Frazier, Levi.
Browning, William R. Fields, Stephen.
Barber, Elisha. Frazier, Samuel.
Bartlett, John. Gray, James.
Brown, Solomon. Gentry, John A.
Crawford, Benj. R. Gentis, David.
Cutshall, John R. Grantham, John E.
Clore, George W. Garrison, Benj. F.
Dutcher, William R. Gray, William A.
Downing, William. Handel, Isaac I.
Downing, Thomas. Harrah, James C.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 109
Hughes, John S. Powell, George W.
Holmes, Henry. Powell, William C.
Haver, John. Persinger, John.
Hughes, Joseph. Royston, William H.
Hayes, Thomas F. Royston, James M.
Hines, James A. Royston, Benj. F.
Harter, George W. Reed, Orange.
Jones, John R. Roney, William.
Johnson, Eleazer. Smith, Martin.
Leard, Alfred C. Sweaney, Andrew.
Leard, Robert J. Snider, Lewis.
Leard, William A. Schaffer, David.
McGee, James. Shriver, Nathan.
McCrary, John W. Shipley, James H.
Marshall, Dennis. Travis, Charles.
Moore, Robei't N. Utterback, Ferdinand.
Netherton, James C. Whitman, Thomas W.
Poe, Jonathan. • Woodey, Nathan.
Transferred :
Kenney, Patrick S., first sergeant. Leard, Alfred C.
Groomer, David, first corporal. Lewis, Jacob.
Copa, John, prive. Lewis, Joseph P.
Frazier, William, private. Hamm, John.
Frazier, Henry C. Jeffries, Martin P.
Hilton, William H. O'Neil, Thomas.
Di-scharged for Disability :
Bear, Peter, second sergeant. Everly, Samuel H., private.
Tipton, George W., fifth sergeant. Field, Riley, private.
Stone, George W., third sergeant. Grantham, William D., private.
Grantham, Robert H., sixth sergeant. Miller, William F., private.
Peniston, Thomas, bugler. Sweaney, George, private.
Miller, Seamon, private. Sego, Charles B., private.
Leai'd, James G., private.
Died of Disease.
Handel, Edward W. Dale, Thomas J.
Non-Commissioned Officer.^ — Sergeants.
Benton Miller, orderly sergeant. David E. Youtsey, second sergeant.
W. V. McGee, quarter-master sergt. William L. Powell, third sergeant.
William C. Gillihan, company sergt. Lewis Heaston, fourth sergeant.
Benjamin F. Poe, first sergeant.
110
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Corporals .
First, Isaac H. Wilson.
Second, Daniel Johns.
Third, Joshua Brown.
Fourth, James Browning.
Fifth, George T. Netherton.
Sixth, Charles W. Lake.
Seventh, Wiley W. Stone.
Eighth, John W. Hancock.
Company G. — Company G was organized March 27, 1862, with John
Ballinger as captain. The original roll of the company could not be found,
but the roll of the company when mustered out was preserved by Lieut.
David Groomer.
ROLL OF COMPANY G.
Privates.
Brown, David.
Blakely, Andrew C.
Caldwell, James H.
Crowder, James M.
Cope, John.
Endicott, Jacob I.
Frazier, William.
Frazier, Miles.
Fansler, Thomas.
Fansler, William.
Fitts, Jackson.
Galbreath, Squire.
Hilton, William H.
Hill, David.
Hindman, John U.
Jeffries, Martin P.
Leeper, Joseph.
Mitchell, John T.
Morgan, Asa.
McBride, Sylvester K.
McBride, James.
Miller, George W.
Oram, James.
Peugh, George W.
Reynolds, John M.
Shriver, Francis W.
Shriver, Nova Zembla.
Sabens, Thomas B.
Smith, Jeremiah.
Dilley, Barnett.
Splawn, John R.
Splawn, Isaac N.
Smith, John M.
Jeffries, George W.
Walker, Albert G.
Ham, John F.
Hines, Benj. F.
Miller, Michael.
Harris, Seth H.
Orr, Jasper N.
Payne, Ebenezer.
Way, Charles A.
Orr, Moses.
Rowhuff, James.
French, Jesse N.
Day, John M.
Osborn, Carlow B.
Simms, Thomas.
Allen, Charles W.
Bailey, Jasper N.
Benedict, Moses.
Cope, Wiley.
Cope, William B.
Cain, George L.
Duskins, William F
Elliott, Gilford.
Gilkey, Robert T.
Grindstaff, Julias.
Johnson, James G.
Jacques, Gabriel M.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
111
Hall, George W.
Lewis, Joseph P.
Miller, John H.
McClure, James.
McClure, David.
Owen, Richard.
Payne, Reuben L.
Pilcher, Francis L.
Rop, James L.
Rowland, John D.
Lewis Jacob, bugler
James, John.
Clevinger, Pitman A.
Place, Peter.
Gillihan, Benona H.
Risdon, John, drunkenness.
Jordan, James, drunkenness.
Harmon, Jacob C.
Harmon, Richard M., disability
Harmon, David, disability.
Murphy, Thomas, drunkenness,
O'Neal, Thomas, disability.
Shadwick, Levi, disability.
England, William, disability.
Fields, Thomas, disability.
Brown, Joel R., disability.
Keene, Joseph B., disability.
Place, Richard J., disability.
Knight, Thomas, disability.
Brown, Joel R., disability.
Dilley, Barnett, disability.
Splawn, John B., disability.
Rhoades, Charles W.
Sabens, William M.
Stout, William S.
Starr, William M.
Starr, James.
Stephens, Wiley.
Wright, John R.
Wheeling, Harrison.
Worley, William T.
Wilson, Matthew.
Killed in Battle,
killed Aug. 9, 1862, at Panther Creek, Mo.
Died.
Fitts, George W.
Orr, Patrick M.
Pennington, William J.
Discharged.
Smith, John N., disability.
Splawn, Isaac N., disability.
Smith, John N., disability.
Jefferies, George W., disability.
Walker, Alfred G., di.sability.
Ham, John T., disability.
Hines, Benj. F., disability.
Miller, Michael, disability.
Harris, Seth H., disability.
Orr, Jasper N., disability.
Payne, Ebenezer, disability.
Way, Charles A., disability.
Orr, Moses, disability.
Rowhuff, James, disability.
French, Jesse N., disability.
Day, John M., horse stealing.
Deserted.
Moore, James. Stephens, John E.
Non-Commissioned Officer.s — Sergeants.
Alfred R. Leard. David K. Eeads.
Joseph Dilley. Charles M. Rogers.
Benj. H. Hines. Eli McClure.
112
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Davis Lewellyn.
Isaac Summers.
David M. Heath,
disability.
discharged for
Nathan Johnson, discharged for
disability.
James Johnson, died at home,
Daviess County Nov. 3, 1862.
Corporals :
Henry C. Frazier.
Willis Dilley.
Daniel Pilcher.
Henry Dilley, discharged for dis-
ability.
George W. Hall, discharged for
disability.
John L. Shriver, discharged for
disability.
Luther Ferrington, deserted on
May 16, 1863.
Company B. — The original roll of this company was lost. The follow-
ing list is as nearly correct as possible.
William G. Stow.
Bailey Webb.
Harvey Dilley.
William H. Elliott.
Carl R. Lord, discharged for dis-
ability.
Joseph P. Lewis, discharged for
disability.
Ira C. Tuttle, discharged for dis-
ability.
Privates.
Alexander, John.
Allen, Isaac.
Atwell,
Brown, William.
Baker, Guy.
Baker, Harvey.
Bashford, Cline.
Butler, Francis.
Butrick, William.
Butrick, G.
Bender, James.
Bender, Robert.
Bender, John.
Blessing, Henry.
Critton, Erve.
Critton, James.
Cole, Harvey.
Collins, Thomas.
Sactor, J.
Castor, Benjamin.
Castor, William.
Castor, C.
Critton, Joseph.
Charles, C.
Daniels, C.
Daniels, James.
Elmore,
Enyhart, Richard.
French, J.
Fulcher,
Fannon, William.
Fannon, Joseph.
Gipson, Thomas.
Harolson,
Henderson,
Harmon, J.
Hoover, Isaac.
Harmon,
John, B.
Keene, Gabriel.
Knight, J.
Laswell, John.
Laswell, A. J.
Landers, Joseph.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
113
Ohar, M.
Place, F. A.
Paxton, Doc.
Reader, Robert.
Renn, William.
Rhodes, N.
Snider, Henry.
Snider, Henry, Caldwell County.
Shanks, Michael.
Story, G.
Story, Mounce.
Story, John.
Sego, Lemuel.
Sitch, Perry.
Savey, William.
Savey, L.
Tracy, D.
Woodson, Richard.
Wilson, Adam.
Ward, James.
Webster, Hiram.
Non-Commissioned Officers.
Daniel Lebow, sergeant.
Forty-third Infantry, Missouri Volunteers.
The Forty-third Regiment was organized, September 22, 1864, under
the command of Chester Harding, Jr., of St. Louis as colonel. Only one
company was partially organized from Daviess County, under the captaincy
of William F. Flint, whose address was given as Bethany, but who, after
the war became sheriff of Daviess County. A portion only of the names
can be given and all of these were not from this county. They were in
active service in the Central Missouri District and were mustered out of
service June 30, 1865.
Privates.
Leber, Isaac.
Lewis, Sylvester.
Mann, Adam.
Morris, John.
Miries,
Myers, S.
McFarland, Marshall
McGarvin, David.
McGarvin, Dennis.
McCarty, Dennis.
McCarty, David.
McClure, John.
Matthews, David.
McKinney, Arthur.
Nichols, D.
Norton, J.
Noah, Uriah.
Nichols, Joseph.
Nichols, Rhodes.
Nichols, John.
Nations, Edward.
Brown, Joel E.
Bowyer, William
Hendick, T. J.
Hendrick, John
Herndon, Isaac
Irwin, Joseph
Daniels, Richard
Frazier, Joseph
Bolin, William
Eads, William
Rader, John
Cline, John
Robb, James
Foster, Andrew J.
Terry, David
Terry, Aaron
114 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Terry, David T. Chapman, Alonzo
Miers, William Chapman, C.
Poe, James Sarrah, Jacob
Smith, W. T. Henderson, John
Smith, John E. Endicott, Jacob
Wright, James Greenwood, F. L., drummer
Royston, Powell Flint, Larkin S., fifer
Yost, Cornelius
Non-Commissioned Officers — Sergeants.
First, Nathan E. Reed, Fourth, William Tibbies,
Second, Silas H. Hammond, Fifth, Hugh Sharon, discharged,
Third, L. L. Terry, Fifth, Robert S. Terry, promoted
Corporals :
First, Isaac N. Goodwin, Fifth, Joseph H. Knott,
Second, James O. Frisbee, Sixth, Sideon Smith,
Third, John F. Silby, Seventh, John Hendricks,
Fourth, Philip Higgins, Eighth, Corydon Hart.
There were in the above company fifty-five more privates whose
names could not be secured, and part of them were from Daviess County.
Special Order No. Six. — Among the orders which were issued applying
to the county, Special Order No. Six was probably the most drastic.
Headquartei's, Sub-district of Chillicothe,
Chillicothe, Mo., Dec. 17, 1864.
Special Order No. Six :
The committees named below are hereby appointed for Daviess County
whose duty it is in their respective townships to prepare and put in the
hands of Lieutenant-Colonel Samuel P. Cox at Gallatin with the least pos-
sible delay a list of all persons of their respective townships who have been
in the rebel army designating those who are or have been attached to guer-
illa or bushwhacking organizations, also including all persons against whom
evidence of aiding armed rebels or bushwhackers and the withholding of
information concerning their presence and movement can be furnished.
This list will give the name, age and residence of each person, when he
joined the rebel army, what family he has and where they are now living,
the age of the eldest child at home, present value of personal property,
number of acres of real estate and such additional remarks touching each
family as to enable the military to aiTive at just conclusion in the premises.
Committees:
Gallatin Township : Joseph H. McGee, William Bristow and Jacob Woodruff.
Jackson Township: Lieut. Mounts Nichols, W. G. Eads, George N. Smith.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 115
Harrison Township: John H. Tuggle, Thomas R. Tuggle, Manuel Martin.
Jefferson Township : James L. Powell, G. M. Lile, G. M. Tipton.
Pattonsburg Township: Dr. William Pyle, Capt. M. Morris, Henry Dilley.
Salem Township: Judge B. M. Coffey, Capts. W. B. Brown and Andrew
Barr.
Grand River Township: Judge Peter Bear, J. P. Brown, M. Netherton.
The closing events of the war are chronicled in the Gallatin North Mis-
sourian, established in 1864. On Nov. 17th of that year, an account was
published of the fight with Price near Independence, and the Big Blue in
which many Daviess countians took part.
On April 5, 1865, news reached Gallatin that Petersburg and Richmond
had surrendered to Grant. At four o'clock a meeting was held in the court
house and enthusiastic speeches made. Committees were appointed to plan
for the proper celebration of the event. All citizens were requested to
illuminate their homes. Postmaster Taylor, Bob Graves and Major Cox
hurriedly collected enough money to brilliantly illuminate all the windows
in the court house and get up an oyster benefit. The banquet committee
was composed of S. A. Richardson, Major McGee and Dr. Givens. The
paper reports that most every house was illuminated.
On April 8th, Salem celebrated the surrender of Richmond on a grand
scale. The speakers were Captain Brown, J. H. Hardin, R. H. Vandivert
and others.
During 1864 and 1865 a great many new settlers came into the county.
Fearing that the newcomers might have disloyal tendencies, a meeting
was held Jan. 28, 1865, and a resolution passed that a committee be appoint-
ed to find out the political affiliations of those proposing to settle in the
county, and that none but loyal persons were to be allowed to come into the
county to live.
Confederates. — Although a large number of men from the county
went into the Southern army and while many of the non-combatants were
Confederate sympathizers, the county was at all times under the control
of the Federal authorities. Little can be learned of the activities of the
Confederates. Major McGee mentions a company raised by Dr. C. C.
Hogan. The recruiting service of John D. Casey, Will Jordin, Logan En-
yart and others are occasionally referred to. It was necessary, with the
Federals in control, to proceed secretly. After evading the local authori-
ties, the danger of crossing the Missouri river to join the Southern Army
was yet to be encountered. Some were turned back, but it is estimated
that more than 300 from Daviess County were in the Confederate Army.
Efforts have been made to compile a list of these soldiers, but it is far from
complete. Names of Confederate soldiers who were not residents of the
116
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
county at the time, but have at a latei* date lived here are also included for
several reasons. In the first place, it is not always possible to be sure
whether the soldier was living in the county during the war. Second, since
no concerted effort has been made until recently to collect records of these
soldiers, it may be of value to those interested to have the record, even
though he served in another state.
Thanks are due Mr. N. A. Baker, Mrs. Mary Cruzen, Mr. George Will-
iams and Mr. Samuel Sperry, Sr., for assistance in compiling the list.
H. E. Acton,
Frank Abcock,
J. H. Abcock,
George P. Allen,
William Anderson,
Lut Ashby,
N. A. Baker,
Noah J. Black,
A. C. Ball,
Alfred F. Barnett,
Blizzard,
W. S. Beard,
L. M. Best,
Thomas Bradshaw,
James A. Bowen,
W. H. Bray,
Joseph Breeden,
James Brosius,
Thomas B. Brookshire,
Nathan Broughton,
Calvin Burge,
John W. Burge,
J. C. Byrd,
John D. Casey,
Richard Childs,
William Childs,
Henry Clothier,
Pit Cloudas,
John B. Comer,
Jerre C. Cravens,
Dr. John Cravens,
John Cravens, Jr.,
William Cravens,
Jesse A. Creekmore,
Nathaniel G. Cruzen,
William Cruzen,
William Darr,
Edward Davis,
Dr. F. M. Davis,
Josiah Davis,
William Davis,
James R. Dehring,
Jesse Dehring,
A. L. Deavers,
Arthur Dever,
Jim Dever,
J. T. Dunn,
Harve Ellis,
L. A. EUis,
Logan Enyart,
Rev. Enyart,
James W. Estes,
George D. Ewing,
Hiram Faulkner,
Mat Foley,
T. R. Ford,
Thos. Gee,
Dick Gilkey,
Press Githens,
Doute Githens,
Pack Githens,
John D. Gillilan,
Mathias GiUilan,
N. B. Githens,
Charles Goben,
J. T. Green,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
117
Jack Haines,
Henry Harnes,
A. N. Harper,
Cap Harper,
Hardin Hartley,
Jacob Haynes,
Dave Hays,
Patrick H. Hawkins (?)
T. B. Head,
Frank Hicklin (?)
Tom Hicklin, (?)
Dr. John Hillman,
Dr. C. C. Hogan,
George Hopkins,
J. Houghton,
James M. Hunter,
John Hyatt, (?)
John Irving,
Richard Irving,
William Irving,
T. B. Jackson,
Thos. Jennings,
James Jordin,
William Jordin,
H. H. Justus,
Daniel Kessler,
John Kessler,
Joseph Kirk,
James F. Knight,
James Lamey,
Thos. Lathrop,
Dee Lawson,
William Ledgewood,
John Lile,
Henry Lockwood,
Lockwood,
Lockwood,
Sam Lowrey,
Gus. A. Lynn,
David Martin,
John Middleton,
Wm. Mead,
George McCartney,
William McCartney,
Wm. Henry McClung,
R. J. McClane,
Sam McClane,
M. B. McClung,
J. W. McCullough,
Frank McCue,
George McCue,
James McCue,
Paul McCue,
McCue,
McCue,
R. M. McCue,
Archie McDaniel,
Martin McDaniel,
William McDaniel,
Dock McDonald,
Jno. McLauglin,
James McMillion,
John A. McNeel,
John H. McNeill,
William S. McNeill,
John Macrander,
M. T. Mallory,
Alexander Mann,
Independence Mann,
Jacob Mann,
Dr. J. B. Marley,
Alphonso E. Martin,
Gabriel May,
James W. Miller,
John H. Miller,
Robert Miller,
Alfred C. Minnick,
Tim Murray,
Davis Nance,
J. W. Neill,
William N. Nickell,
G. I. O'Ferrell,
118
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
W. T. Osborn,
Bob Owens,
Jacob Oxford,
Asa Payne,
Henry Payne,
Francis Peniston,
H. C. Peniston,
John Perry,
Wm. Perry,
B. F. Pugh, (?)
Lute Powell,
John Pryor,
J. A. Scott,
John Sheeler,
Bootes Shultz,
Edward Shultz,
Peter Shultz,
Sidney Shultz,
Tom Shultz,
Dick Shutluth,
Emanuel Small,
George C. Smith,
George H. Smith,
I. V. Smith,
Stephen Smith,
Jack Sperry,
E. W. Stafford,
Joseph Stamper,
W. T. Stovall,
Maro Thomas,
John Taylor,
Obediah Taylor,
J. E. Tomlinson,
Milton Tye,
Thomas Tye,
Richard Vallandingham,
Monroe Ware,
Joseph Weldon,
Nick Weldon,
Martin Weldon,
George W. Williams,
Monroe Williams,
Roger Williams,
Samuel Wilson,
Jason Winburn,
Charles F. Witten,
William F. Witten,
John H. Wood,
Bob Woodring,
Colley Woodring,
Asa Worrell,
Hill Workman,
John Workman,
James Wynn,
John Wynn,
M. W. Yeager,
Cap Stone,
Civil War Incidents. — Along toward the beginning of the war. Will
Jordin was recruiting for the Confederate army, and some six or seven of
them started south. They were seen by Captain Mounts Nichols and his
company of militia, who at once started in pursuit. The recruits kept
ahead until Grand River was reached. The river was frozen over, but
there was considerable doubt as to whether it would bear them and their
horses. Jordin, who was small and was riding a small horse, got safely
across. Mr. John F. Jordin's account of the incident continues: "Next came
Tom Bradshaw on a mule and the mule skated across in good style. The
others encouraged by scattering fire from their pursuers who were now
within shooting distance made an attempt to cross, when a powerful horse
ridden by Ed McClung broke through the ice and stopped the retreat. Jor-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 119
din was the only man in tiie crowd that was armed and seeing that it
would be useless to attempt to rescue his companions turned reluctantly
away and with Bradshaw continued on their way. The only casualty in
this engagement was the wounding of Bradshaw's mule, which was shot
through the ear. Bradshaw soon tired of soldiering and returned home and
afterwards served in the 'Mackerel Brigade' as the Home Guards were call-
ed, for a sufficient length of time to entitle him to a pension, which he still
lives to draw with more pleasure than he did his gun in the days of '61."
This incident is related by Mr. Jordin in his "Memories":
"In November, 1863, George and Frank McCue and a comrade named
Markham left the Confederate army, undertook to make their way north
in order that Frank, who was suffering with serious wounds, might be
properly cared for. As the boys reached the old neighborhood, a cold driz-
zling rain set in, turning into sleet. They went into camp at a place near
Uncle Isaac's, known as the 'rock house.' They had made the trip thus
far on horseback but Frank was now thoroughly exhausted by the suffer-
ing and exposure incident to their long and tiresome journey. The weather
continued to be inclement and George decided to go to Uncle Isaac and make
their condition known. He did so and uncle at once directed them to bring
Frank to the house, which they did at once. George and Markham con-
tinued their journey, but Frank remained for some days resting and recup-
erating his strength. Then one night Tom Bradshaw came with a covered
wagon and took Frank to Iowa where he was cared for at the home of a
friend until some time during the following year, when he died.
"Uncle was not ignorant of what the probable consequences of this act
would be. He knew that in giving food and shelter to Frank McCue he
was violating the military law, which forbade the giving of aid and com-
fort to those in rebellion. He knew that to reach out the hand of mercy
and try to save this battered piece of flosam cast up by the waves from the
crimson sea of war was an offense so grave that he who committed it en-
dangered his liberty, perhaps his life. But knowing all this, be it said to
his credit, he never hesitated for a moment. Let the consequence be what
they may,' said he, 'it shall never be said that I turned one of my neighbor's
children from my doors when he was hungry, sick and without shelter.'
There was a committee in each township, composed of three members,
whose duty it was to promptly report offenses of this kind. The names of
the men composing these committees as I write but I have no desire to open
old wounds. The matter was, however, promptly reported to Lieut. Col.
S. P. Cox, at Gallatin. But Col. Cox possessed that generous nature that
always characterizes the truly brave man and friendly warning was given
and uncle bade farewell to his home, and left, never to return."
120 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
In account of Jefferson Kelley, a jack-of-all-trades who made a meager
living by doing odd jobs for the neighbors, Mr. Jordin tells the following
story :
"It was the custom during the war to hold prayer meetings at private
residences, and a man's welcome more often depended upon his political
faith rather than his religious convictions. Here the gray-haired father
invoked the divine protection for his boy who was battling at the front, and
for the ultimate triumph of the cause he believed to be just. While Kelly
had neither boy nor political convictions he always rose to the spirit of the
occasion and if prayer could have saved the day and turned the tide of bat-
tle the Southern Confederacy would have won hands down. At one of
these meetings, held at Uncle Isaac Jordin's, Kelly was called on to lead
in prayer. He opened up all right and got through with preliminary mat-
ters in his usual felicitious manner, but somehow when he came to discuss
political issues he seemed to lose his grip. Isaac Oxford and I were small
boys at the time and were devoutly kneeling in a dark corner of the room.
It occurred to us that Jeff needed encouragement and we began to supple-
ment his feeble petitions with hearty 'Amens,' 'Do, Lord,' and 'God Grant
It.' Kelley did not know the source of the endorsement which he was re-
ceiving, but it revived him at once, and he fairly outdid himself, much to
the delight of two small boys. But the sequel for one of us at least was not
so amusing. Mother was present, recognized my voice and gave me one
of the worst whippings that I ever received. That settled the matter so
far as I was concerned. I never encouraged Kelley after that. He might
have got stuck in the middle of a prayer, and stayed there, for all I cared."
Irresponsible bands of militia frequently went about the county sub-
jecting the Southern sympathizers to petty annoyances. During a meeting
at Ketron Chapel a group of these men passed and decided it would be
great sport to put a flag over the door, so that those coming out of the
church had to pass under it. The people were indignant, but were wise
enough not to protest. But when one young woman walked out, she seized
the flag and tore it in two. She was arrested and taken to Chillicothe,
where she was forced to take the oath of allegiance. Having taken the
oath to support the Union, she turned to the authorities and announced,
"I'll keep that if I want to."
Jonathan Oxford was an avowed Southern sympathizer, and made no
effort to conceal his feelings. He was arrested and taken to Breckenridge.
He was paroled by the military authorities and ordered to report again in
30 days. A few days later, on April 3, 1863, a group of armed men came
to the house and told him he must go to Breckenridge to answer his parole.
Since it then lacked about 15 days until he was supposed to report, he ob-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 121
jected, but was forced to go. Next morning he was found dead by the
roadside, his body riddled by bullets and no clue was ever found as to the
identy of the murderers.
James Weldon had served in the Confederate army, but had returned
home, taken the oath and was a member of the Home Guard. A captain
from Caldwell County, with a group of his men, was passing through the
country, and knowing that Weldon had once been a Confederate, had him
taken from his home and murdered.
No less tragic was the death of William Crews, which occurred in 1866,
but was the direct outgrowth of Civil War enmities. A debate concerning
the doctrines of the Universalist church was being held at Clear Creek
church and a large crowd was in attendance. During the noon hour, Crews
was standing with his back to a tree talking to a group of girls. A man
approached and offered him an apple, which he laughingly accepted. Two
men were waiting for the signal, and now approached with drawn revolvers.
Miss Ann Weldon, seeing them, gave a warning cry to Crews and struck the
pistol so that it was discharged in the air and injured no one. The other
man, said to have been Broomfield, fired and Crews fell dead. The murder-
ers rode away unmolested and no effort seems to have been made to arrest
them. The events which lead up to the murder go far back into the Civil
War. The father of William Crews was a strong Southern sympathizer,
and was compelled to leave home. Crews, at that time, a youngster of
about 14, said and did a good many things calculated to arouse the ire of the
military authorities. He was arrested and taken to Breckenridge, but was
soon released. Later he was again arrested. His mother became anxious
about him and induced his brother and Thomas Perry to attempt his rescue.
The plan was discovered and when the attempt was made, George Crews
and Perry were killed. The boy saw the killing and vowed to avenge their
deaths. He made no secret of his intention and it was no doubt because
of these threats that he was sought and murdered by men who had reason
to fear him.
Among the persons arrested after the ironclad oaths provided for in
the Constitution of 1865 went into effect, was the Rev. B. F. Kenny, a well
known Baptist minister. He was charged with preaching without having
taken the oath. Justice Daniels held that he was not guilty because he did
not take a text — that he did not preach but simply stood at the side of the
pulpit and talked to the people.
CHAPTER VIII.
PIONEER AND MODERN TRANSPORTATION.
STAGE LINES— FERRIES— NAVIGATION— ROADS— RAILROADS.
Stage Lines. — Before the building of the railroads, the people depend-
ed largely upon river transportation. The people of Daviess County and
adjoining territory when making a journey of any length had to go to
some point on the Missouri River — Richmond Landing, Brunswick or
Lexington, usually — to take the boat. Where river transportation was im-
practicable, the people depended upon stage lines. The Missouri Register
of 1855, published a time card for Gallatin and St. Joseph Coach Line,
which left Gallatin on Monday at six A. M. and arrived at St. Joseph on
Tuesday at 1 P. M. It returned to Gallatin on Wednesday at 6:00 P. M.
Only one round trip was made a week.
M. T. Green owned one of the early stage lines. His line operated
between Gallatin, Hamilton and Richmond. One of his drivers was George
W. Runnells. After the building of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad,
hacks were run from the nearest points, Chillicothe and Hamilton, to points
to the north. The line from Chillicothe to Bethany passed through
Jamesport. In 1865 Captain John Ballinger was running a passenger hack
between Hamilton and Gallatin every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
At the same time. Major S. P. Cox was operating a tri-weekly hack from
Gallatin to Bethany.
As late as 1976, the Valley House at Elm Flat advertised the "Gentry-
ville and Albany stage line to and from this house daily". But after the
extension of the railroad beyond Elm Flat, this line was discontinued.
Ferries. — The first ferry license recorded is one issued to James
Hunter. He was granted the privilege of keeping a "public ferry" on the
west fork of the Grand River at the mouth of Honey creek for six months.
His license for the six months cost him $2.50.
Jacob S. Rogers was granted a license in 1837. When the license was
renewed later in the year, the rates which he might charge were fixed by
the county court as follows :
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 123
Eight horse or ox team and wagon $1.00
Six horse or ox team and wagon 75
Four or five horse or ox team and wagon 62
Three horse or ox team and wagon 37
One horse or ox team and wagon 25
Man and horse 12
Footman 06
Loose cattle, horses and mules 06
Hogs and sheep 03
In 1839 Jacob S. Rogers was granted the right to operate a ferry in
Grand River Township. In the same year James Taylor and John Cravens
were granted ferry licenses, the first in Grindstone Township, the latter at
Adam-ondi-Ahmon. After a few years bridges were built and there was
no longer the same necessity for ferries. As late, however, as 1864, a
license was granted to Joseph H. Herndon to operate a ferry at Shriver mill
on Grand river, and one to Francis W. Payne to operate a ferry at Peniston
Crossing on Grand river.
Navigation. — It will be noticed that the first town in the county was
located on Grand river, and was called Millport. Its founders evidently had
hopes that the new city would become an important port. Before the days
of railroads the people had to depend much more upon river transportation
than at present and Grand River was regarded as a decided asset to the new
county. Accordingly, the residents of the Grand river country obtained
the passage of an act of the General Assembly declaring "all that portion
of north Grand river from its mouth to where the township line dividing
Townships 62 and 63 north crosses the east and west forks of the said river
shall be and the same is declared to be a public highway to be navigated by
all perons whatsoever." The act was approved Feb. 13, 1839.
At the session of the Legislature which met in 1840 and 1841, the
Board of Internal Improvements reported that a survey of north Grand
river had been made and stated rather fully what improvements would
have to be made before navigation on this river would be profitable. The
board seemed to think the project altogether practicable.
Two years later this board again reported on the proposition and con-
cluded with this paragraph (See Appendix, House Journal, 1842, 1843,
page 624).
"By improving its navigation in the matter contemplated by the bill
herewith reported, a large territory would be greatly benefitted, including
not only the counties through which it runs and on which it borders, but
also that of Grundy and the extensive back country attached to these coun-
ties, a space sufficient for the erection of four additional new counties.
124 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
making in all a territory comprising more than three thousand square
miles".
The Grand River Association was incorporated by the 1848-1849 ses-
sion of the General Assembly. By it the counties of Chariton, Carroll,
Livingston, Daviess and Grundy "and such other counties as shall invest
funds in the association hereby established" were incorporated. The object
of the Asociation was "to enter upon north Grand river in this state and
to improve the navigation thereof from its mouth to the mouth of Big creek
on the west fork thereof and to the town of Trenton on the east fork of said
river for steamboat, vessels, rafts and other crafts". The Association was
capitalized at $200,000, divided into shares of $20 each. Each county in-
vesting in the organization was to appoint a director to represent the
county, such director to hold office for the term of one year. Full power to
carry out the objects of the Association was granted.
Nothing came of these plans for the navigation of Grand river. A few
skiffs made trips up and down the river, but the improvements contemp-
lated were never made, and larger boats have never been seen.
In 1847, Robert P. Peniston built a large flatboat, loading it with hoop-
poles, wheat, bacon and hemp, he started for St. Louis. At Compton's
Ferry on Grand river, the boat sunk and all the cargo was lost, except a
portion of the hemp. The cargo was valued at $1500, and no insurance was
carried. This was probably the only flatboat to attempt the trip to St.
Louis.
Roads. — A map of Missouri showing early Indian trails shows that
one trail extended through Daviess County. Major H. S. Long says that
it skirted the east side of Grand river and was 60 miles long, and that
when he followed it in 1819 it was known at "Fields trace". At the upper
end (in what is now Worth County) it joined another trail running north-
west. This trail to the headwaters of Grand river was a favorite warpath
by the Sankees, Foxes and Pottawatomies into the Osage country.
Soon after the organization of the county, the county court took steps
toward laying out a system of roads. In 1837 road commissioners were ap-
pointed for each of the three townships, Adam Black for Grand River,
Elijah Foley and Philip Covington for Honey Creek, and John Wright for
Grindstone Township. No record has been found showing the roads laid
out by these commissioners.
Mitchell's map of 1844 shows only one road in Daviess County, which
ran from Gallatin to Far West and on to Macon Court House. This road
was built by the Mormons and was said to have been an unusually good
thoroughfare compared with the other roads in the vicinity.
In 1849—54 road overseers were appointed. It would seem that with
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 125
SO many, no one person would have his business interests seriously interfer-
ed with by the duties of the office.
An examination of Mitchell's "New Travellers Guide Through the
United States" of 1849 shows the stage roads through Missouri. This
shows a road from Gallatin to Chillicothe, and from north to Cravensville,
where it divided, one road going to Sandsville and the other running north
and a little east until it met another road just this side of the Iowa line.
Thre was also a road from Gallatin to Plattsburg, Far West and Mount
Refuge. From Far West and Plattsburg, roads led directly to Richmond.
In June, 1859, the following road district were formed: Grand River
road district Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4 ; Jackson road districts Nos. 5, 6 and 7 ;
Salem road district Nos. 8, 9 and 10; Benton road districts Nos. 11, 12 and
13 ; Jefferson road districts Nos. 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 ; Gallatin road dis-
tricts Nos. 19, 20, 21 and 22; Harrison road districts Nos. 23 and 24.
The General Assembly of Missouri established a number of state roads
prior to the Civil War. Among those passing through Daviess County
were:
(1) A road from Pattonsburg to St. Joseph, approved Feb. 22, 1845.
Repealed in 1853.
(2) A road from Camden to Taylor's Ferry in Daviess County, ap
proved March 24, 1845.
(3) A road from Gallatin to St. Joseph, via Maysville, approved Feb.
23, 1853.
(4) A road form Bethany to Gallatin, approved Feb. 24, 1853.
(5) A road from Spring Hill to Bethany, to run "through or near
Auberry and Pilot Grove in Daviess County", approved Feb. 27, 1857.
(6) A road from Richmond to Trenton, via Kingston and Gallatin,
approved March 20, 1860.
In 1860, the Legislature passed an act for opening and repairing roads
and highways in the County of Daviess. The County Court was given
power to make and enforce all orders necessary. All county roads must be
not less than twenty nor more than 40 feet wide. Section 4 provides that
"all county roads shall be cleared of trees and limbs of trees which may in-
commode horsemen or carriages, and no stump shall exceed eight inches in
height, and wet grounds and small watercourses shall be cauusewayed or
bridged in such manner as to enable horsemen and carriages to pass with
safety".
All able-bodied men between the ages of 16 and 45 who had resided in
the state sixty days and in the district one month were subject to work on
the roads, and when called by the road overseer were obliged to respond or
forfeit and pay One Dollar for each day he might fail to attend, or Two
126 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Dollars for each day he should attend and fail to work with due diligence.
The overseer was required to erect a post at every cross-roads or fork,
"unless a suitable tree be found at the proper place, to which shall be af-
fixed a finger board containing a legible inscription directing the way and
noting the distance to the next remarkable place on the road".
Overseers were to be paid from the road and canal fund. The law
provided making out new roads and altering old ones, for the formation of
road districts, and contained prvisions necessary to carry into effect the
provisions of the law.
It was not, however, until after 1900 that much interest was taken in
the improvement of roads. Interest had previously been centered largely
upon securing the most convenient route and in the building of bridges
across the streams. Soon with the introduction of the motor car, the im-
provement of highways became a necessity.
The road drag came into use. The Daviess County Good Roads As-
sociation was organized with James Tuggle as President and C. M. Harri-
son as Secretary. A county convention was called by them for May 2,
1903, which resulted in aroused interest in the movement.
To mention all of the road meetings which have been held and to dis-
cuss the preliminaries leading to the location of the various trails through
the county would take much more space than is available. Only a few of
the events will be mentioned, as indicative of the work done in the county.
All the townships but one sent representatives to a meeting held in
Gallatin in March, 1914, to discuss the joint purchase of power road outfits.
A committee was appointed to further consider the matter. Nothing was
done in the matter. Union Township, however, later purchasing a crusher
to supply rock for its roads.
In August of the same year, Governor Major issued a proclamation
asking all citizens to work on the roads on two days. Many Daviess Coun-
tians responded to the call.
A big road meeting and banquet was given at Pattonsburg in March,
1914, for the committees on cross-state highways.
In June, 1914, the Omaha and St. Louis Highway was, after consider-
able discussion, located through Gallatin, Lock Springs, Jameson and Pat-
tonsburg, and in December the St. Paul, Des Moines and Kansas City trail
was fixed from Bethany to Pattonsburg, and through Winston to Cameron.
A law of the General Assembly passed in 1913 provided for highways
between every county seat. On July 3rd, the commission met in Gallatin
and located these thoroughfares — from Gallatin to Maysville, Gallatin to
Albany, Gallatin to Bethany, Gallatin to Trenton, Gallatin to Chillicothe,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 127
and Gallatin to Kingston. There was considerable rivalry between various
neighborhoods to determine the road to be used for this purpose.
Jamesport has always been active in the movement for better roads.
The following clipping from a 1915 paper tells something of the work done
in that section of the county :
"The Commercial Club and Jamesport Township officials put in some
good work the past summer. Money to be used on the Jamespoi't-Ash
Grove road to almost $1500 was subscribed. A little more than a like
amount was subscribed for the Jamesport-Olive Church road. A requisi-
tion was made for state aid for both roads and for Jamesport Township.
When the state funds for permanent road work reached Gallatin, it was
found that the State Auditor had sent to this county about $2079.69. Of
this amount Jamesport Township received $240.33, Ash Grove road $379.90
and the Olive Church road about $383. This makes a total of $1009.23, or
almost half the amount sent in for the whole county."
The citizens of Colfax Township made arrangements for an election
to be held on June 6, 1916, to vote on a $15,000 road bond issue, bonds to
run for twenty years. A petition signed by at least sixty citizens was pre-
sented to the county court in May, and the election was authorized. Be-
fore the date of the election, however the leaders, among whom were H. L.
Buck and F. E. Warner, decided to call it off. The time was not ripe, in
their estimation. Some were indifferent, and the proposition was not gen-
erally understood.
The latter part of April, 1916, the Pattonburg Commercial Club enter-
tained over 700 Jefferson Highway boosters at a banquet given at the M.
E. Church, South. This is probably the largest road meeting ever held in
the county. Representatives from Bethany, Ridgeway, Coffey, Jameson,
Maryville, McFall, Hamilton, Altamont, Winston, Gallatin, Santa Rosa,
Civil Bend and St. Joseph were present.
After the McColluough-Morgan amendment to the Hawes law went in-
to effect there was a great rush to get applications for State and Federal
aid before the State Highway Commission. By Dec. 1, 1920, the commis-
sion had approved 184 projects. Among these were two in Daviess County,
one a 24 foot graded earth road 8.87 miles in length, running east and west
through the Gallatin-Jamesport district. It was estimated that the road
would cost $139,664.83, of which $69,832.41 would be paid by the Federal
and $4,440.00 by the state government.
The second project approved was a 24 foot earth road 7.64 miles in
length between Jamesport and the Grundy County line, with an estimated
cost of $41,634.56, with Federal aid amounting to $2,817.28, and state aid
amounting to $3,820.00.
128 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
The reports of the State Highway Board show that at the close of the
biennial period in 1920, a total of $6,770.65 had been paid Daviess County
for dragging the inter-county seat roads, $1,213.58 in 1917, $2,045.17 in
1918 and $549.20 in 1919, $2,962.70 in 1920.
For the four years ending in 1920, the summary of the State High-
way Board shows that for Daviess County $5,460.00 has been paid to state
surveys, $16,720.22 had been paid on road work by the State Highway De-
partment, and that $98,909.69 in State and Federal aid had been allotted
the county. The figures show that $71,297.11 had been paid and allotted
in excess of the automoTaile licenses paid into the state road fund during
the same period.
Under the new highway law, Daviess County will have 82.6 miles of
road. The bulletin published in March 1921 by the State Highway Depart-
ment, "Tentative Designation of State Roads", described these as follows:
Sec. 8a Road — Beginning at the DeKalb-Daviess County line near the
southwest corner of Daviess County, thence in a northeasterly direction
through Winston, Altamont and Gallatin to the Grundy-Daviess County
line a distance of approximately 42.5 miles.
Sec. 8b Road — Beginning at Gallatin, thence south to the Daviess-
Caldwell County line. A distance of approximately 12.1 miles.
Sec. 10 Road — Beginning at the Daviess-Harrison County line north
to Pattonburg, thence in a southerly direction through Pattonsburg to
Altamont. A distance of approximately 21 miles.
Sec. 10 Road — Beginning at the DeKalb-Daviess County line near
Weatherby thence south and east to a point on the state road near Winston.
A distance of approximately 7 miles.
The state is divided into six districts. The first district is composed
of, Atchison, Andrew, Clinton, Clay, Caldwell, Carroll, DeKalb Daviess ,
Grundy, Gentry, Holt, Harrison, Jackson, Livingston, Mercer, Nodaway ;
Platte, Ray and Worth Counties. A. C. Lingley, St. Joseph, is the division
engineer.
As an incentive to roadbuilding, the Federal Government donated 650
trucks and tractors to be used for this purpose. The records of the State
Highway Board, July, 1921, showed that five trucks and one tractor had
been allotted to Daviess County.
Railroads. — The settlers were not slow to realize the importance to
their communities of the location of the railroads. Towns and counties
untouched by the railroads would clearly suff'er, to the profit of those lo-
cated along them, and this fact not only created intense rivalry among the
various towns and counties but also operated to the advantage of the rail-
roads and their promoters who were in a position to demand concessions
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 129
and assistance from the localities traversed by them as well as to derive
profit from speculation in lands along the proposed routes.
The first railroad project to take definite form contemplated a road
across northern Missouri, connecting Hannibal and St. Joseph. In Feb.,
1847, the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad was chartered by the Legislature.
Robert Wilson, of Daviess County, was named as one of the directors. A
vigorous canvass was immediately opened along the line to secure subscrip-
tions from the several counties. Meetings were held in every county seat
and town. A large meeting or convention, was held in Chillicothe, June 2,
1847, at which delegates from Buchanan, DeKalb, Ray, Grundy, Caldwell,
Livingston, Linn, Macon, Shelby and Marion Counties were present. Judge
Austin A. King of Ray County, was elected president, and Dr. John Crav-
ens, of Daviess County, was one of the Vice-Presidents. The delegates
from Daviess County were Robert Wilson, John B. Comer, Volney E. Bragg,
William P. Peniston, James Turley, Thomas T. Frame, Jacob S. Rogers,
M. T. Green, John Mann, Woody Manson and John Cravens. Upon the rec-
ommendation of a committee appointed to submit subjects for the action
of the convention, the following measures were adpted: (1) The appoint-
ment of three to draft an address to the people of western Missouri setting
forth the advantages of the proposed roads. Volney E. Bragg, of Daviess
County, was a member of this committee. (2) The appointment of a com-
mittee of three to petition the Missouri Legislature for such aid as "can
be afforded consistently with the rights of other sections of the state."
(3) The appointment of a committee of three to petition Congress to donate
alternate sections of laud within six miles on each side of said road when
located. Dr. John Cravens was a member of this committee. The dele-
gates agreed to withhold political support from any candidate for a state
office or for Congress who failed to pledge his aid to the project.
In Feb., 1850, the Missouri Legislature pledged $1,500,000 in bonds to
the enterprise. A number of counties subscribed stock in the company.
In May, 1851, Daviess County voted $30,000 of stock, and James McFerran
was appointed county agent to represent the county and vote its stock.
Two routes had been proposed for the road, one of which passed through
Grundy and Daviess Counties, and the other through the tier of counties
south of Daviess. Daviess County also offered to donate the right of way
and to take $20,000 additional stock if the railroad were located by the
northern route and should pass through or adjacent to Gallatin. The road
as finally located, did not pass through the county and a settlement was
made between the county and the railroad by which the county's stock was
surrendered.
By appropriate acts of Congress and of the State Legislature, the road
130 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
was granted every alternate section of land for six miles in width on each
side of the railroad in aid of the proposed enterprise. Under these acts, a
considerable body of land in Daviess County came to be owned by the rail-
road company.
In the years following the location of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Rail-
road, the citizens of Daviess County and of other communities not ade-
quately served by existing railroads were active in the promotion of other
railroad projects. Among the roads proposed were the Hamilton, Gallatin
and Bethany Railroad, chartered in 1855, with seven Daviess Countians as
directors, having as its objective a line from Hamilton passing through
Gallatin, Bethany and Eagleville, and thence to the Iowa line, and also the
Parkville and Grand River Railroad, which comtemplated a line from Park-
ville to the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad, thence by Gallatin and Trenton
to the Missouri state line in the direction of Burlington, Iowa. Neither
project was carried out.
During 1866, it was proposed to build a line having Kansas City and
Des Moines as its terminal points. The route to be taken through Daviess
County was the subject of a warm contest between Civil Bend and Gallatin.
The road had been first surveyed through Cameron, Civil Bend, Pattons-
burg and Bethany, while Gallatin urged that the route be changed so as to
pass through Gallatin, then to Bethany.
Finally, plans for railroad building in the county began to take definite
shape, and in 1868 the county court agreed to subscribe $150,000 for the
Leavenworth and Des Moines Railroad on the condition that the railroad be
built through the county and a depot be constructed within one thousand
yards of the county court house in Gallatin. It is also agreed that $150,-
000 would be subscribed to the Chillicothe & Omaha Railroad, a depot to be
built within one-half mile of Gallatin. The county court also agreed to
and did issue bonds to the Chicago & Southwestern Railway, to whom the
bonds voted to the Leavenworth & Des Moines Railroad were also issued,
in the sum of $60,000 for and in behalf of the people of a strip ten miles
wide along the railway, generally known as the Ten-mile Strip Bonds.
On April 5, 1871, the first rail was laid within Daviess County on the
Chillicothe & Omaha line. The track was soon completed to Gallatin, and
before the end of the year was built as far as Elm Flat, now Pattonsburg,
where it stopped. Pattonsburg remained the terminal point of the road
until 1879, at which time it was completed to Omaha and in October of that
year the road was opened for through traffic.
The year 1871 also marked the completion of the Chicago & South-
westen Railroad line. The forces engaged in the building of the road and
working from opposite ends of the road, met in Colfax Township, a few
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 131
miles southwest of Winston, where with a cermony befitting the occasion,
the last spike was driven. On Sept. 26, 1871, the opening of the road was
celebrated by the running of an excursion train, upon which a number of
Gallatin citizens were guests.
The years that followed the building of these roads were marked by
protracted litigation and bitter feeling between the railroads and the peo-
ple of the county. The Chillicothe & Omaha Railroad aroused the ire of the
people of Gallatin by failing to run their road across the river and by at-
tempting to build up a rival town at the crossing of the Chicago & South-
western road about two miles east of Gallatin and to remove the postoffice
to that place. Likewise, the people of Pattonsburg and Benton Township
became embittered because of the company's failure to complete the road
through that township. The township had subscribed $20,000 toward the
railroad upon the condition that it should run through the center of the
township. As constructed, it ran to Elm Flat, near the southeast corner
of the township and there stopped. The road was run about two miles
south of old Pattonsburg, with the deliberate purpose, it was charged by
the citizens, of destroying that town in order that the promoters might
profit by speculation in the surrounding lands. Certainly, it had that effect,
and old Pattonsburg soon disappeared. The action of the company led the
township to contest the validity of the $20,000 subscription and in the suit
that followed the township was successful.
The feeling of opposition to the railroads, created largely by the fail-
ure to construct their roads where desired, soon led to a demand from the
people of many sections of the county that the county court contest the val-
idity of the bonds issued to the two railroads. Indignation ran high, and
mass-meetings were held throughout the county, at which the purpose was
declared of refusing to pay taxes to meet the interest on the bonds, and
calling upon judges and clei'ks who had issued and delivered them to resign.
Finally, on Oct. 2, 1872, the county court made an order declaring the
Chicago & Southwestern bond issue and the Ten-mile Strip bonds invalid
and ordering that the interest should not be paid nor any tax levy of taxes
made to meet the same. Suit was institued to test the validity of the
bonds, and litigation continued for several years. The Ten-mile Strip bonds
were held invalid, and the county secured a very favorable compromise on
a large portion of the bonds and paid them off in cash. The remainder were
paid off at their maturity in 1891.
In the early nineties, the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, the
successor of the old Chicago & Southwestern, built a branch line from Alta-
mont to St. Joseph.
In 1897 and 1898, rights of way for another road through the county
132 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
was secured, and shortly therafter another road, the Omaha, Kansas City
& Eastern Railroad, was constructed, passing through Coffey, Pattonsburg
and southwesterly in the direction of Kansas City. The name of the road
has since been changed to the Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad.
The Board of Equalization report of 1921 shows the Wabash Railway
Company having a mileage of 35.81, and a valuation of $1,343,949.30; the
Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railroad, 18.56 miles, valuation $229,372.80 ;
Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway, 35.33 miles, valuation $1,021,037.
}\
CHAPTER IX.
CHURCHES.
nONEER MINISTERS— PIONEER CHinCl IKS— CAMP MEETING — CHrRCH SERVICES-
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH— CATHOI-IC CHURCH— CHRISTIAN CHURCH— EVAN-
GELICAL CHURCH — BAPTIST CHURCH — METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH —
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOUTH -PRESBYTERIAN CHTRCH— SEV'ENTH DAY AD-
V^ENTISTS.
Pioneer Ministers. — Rev. James McMahon was the iirst minister to
hold religious services in Daviess County. His church was the out-of-doors,
for he stood under an oak tree near the site where Robert Peniston later
built the first mill in the county. This was on Aug. 25, 1830. Mr. Mc-
Mahon was of the Methodist faith.
Other ministers of the same denomination were Abraham Millice, who
came in 1834, and who organized a church at Jonathan Liggett's residence
in Salem Township in 1839; George Waugh, who preached the first sermon
in Benton Township in 1834; Isaac Burns, J. T. V. Duberry, J. Barker and
Thomas Ellington. Most of these belonged to the now extinct type known
as "circuit riders". The following account of the activities of the pioneer
circuit rider is given by the late John F. Jordin:
"The circuit rider followed close upon the heels of the early settlers,
and was always a welcome guest in the log cabins of our fathers. He was
usually a man of little learning, but unbounded zeal ; a man with an easy
conscience and a good digestion. He travelled from one settlement to an-
other on horseback, carrying a pair of huge saddle-bags, which contained
a few articles of clothing, a Bible, and tracts on various religious subjects,
thus combining the offices of preacher and colporteur. He was moved by
an honest desire to be useful and helpful to his fellowmen, and although
he asked for nothing beyond the means of subsistence, he gave freely of
all that he possessed. It mattered little whether he was called upon to per-
form a marriage ceremony, preach a funeral, assist at a log-rolling or take
up a corner at a house-raising, he waited for no second invitation, but just
sailed in and did his level best. He knew his people and kept in touch with
134 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
them. But he never lost caste by assisting in heavy work. Alvi'ays he
was a preacher and was respected and venerated as a man set apart for
God's work. If he assisted at a house-raising or any kind of work on which
a number of men were engaged, he generally made it a condition precedent
that if he helped them work through the day they were to come at night
to some cabin in the neighborhood and hear him preach. And thus did the
circuit-rider "Become all things to all men, that by all means he might
save some".
The second preacher in the county was a Baptist, the Rev. William
Michaels. He held services at the home of a Mr. Atkinson and in several
other homes. In 1840 he organized the Pilot Grove Baptist Church. Rev.
Jonathan Smith was another pioneer minister of this denomination. He
settled in Washington Township in 1840, and for many years was a most
valued worker.
Probably the first Presbyterian to preach in the county was the Rev.
Robert Morgan. His first services were held at the home of Robert Miller.
Elder George Flint preached for the members of the Christian Church
some time in the forties. Other early ministers of this faith who held re-
ligious services in the county were Dr. Jourdan, of Chillicothe, Missouri,
John H. Ballinger, David T. Wright and Joseph Davis.
Pioneer Churches. — The first church services were usually held in the
cabins of the settlers or out of doors, when the weather permitted. Some-
times a tobacco barn served as a church. Before long, however, there was
a general desire for special church buildings. Usually these were very
crude structures, at least when compared with the churches of today.
Typical of the church of the early days was the old Lick Fork Baptist
church.
The Camp Meeting. — To the pioneer the camp meeting was an event
to be looked forward to throughout the whole year. They were usually
held in the late summer after the crops were laid by. Rude cabins and
tents were erected and a small city flourished for the few weeks of the
meeting. Socially it meant as much to the early settlers as it did religious-
ly.
Probably the first camp meeting in the Grand River country were held
on the Kessler farm in Livingston County. The date of the first one is not
known but it was prior to 1839. A spring furnished abundant water for
the campers. Many Daviess countians attended these meetings annually.
In 1855 the meeting place was changed to the James Callison farm a
short distance northwest of Jamesport. It was an ideal spot for a camp
meeting. A beautiful grove of white oak trees furnished abundant shade
and a large spring nearby assured a supply of water. Because of its near-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 135
ness to town few cabins were erected there, but some tents were put up.
The last meeting on this ground was in August and September, 1857, which
ended in a free-for-all fight. There were no saloons near and the neighbor-
ing landowners refused to let anything be sold on their land without con-
sent of the managers of the meeting. Because he was refused a license to
sell cider and cakes, one man became so incensed that he bought a barrel
of Bourbon and established what was then called a "Texas" on nearby rail-
road land. One of the patrons of this establishment was arrested at the
camp meeting and his comrades came down to rescue him, but found that
the Methodists were quite vigorous in the use of clubs and fists.
Church Services — As hymn books were scarce, the hymns were usual-
ly "lined", that is, the preacher read a couple of lines and these were then
sung by the congregation. This, of course, took some time, but time was
no particular item at a church service then. Neither did they sing the first
second and last stnazas of a hymn — the whole song was sung regardless of
the number of stanzas. Among the favorites were, "How Tedious and
Tasteless the Hour," "Rock of Ages," and "Oh, Tell Me, Happy Sailor."
Musical instruments were unknown in the early days, in fact, were gener-
ally regarded with disfavor, if not with actual animosity.
Sermons were also long. Doctrinal sermons were heard much more
frequently than today. The horrors of the hereafter were dwelt frequent-
ly upon, and in the words of Billy Sunday, the hereafter pictured in ser-
mons today is a regular summer resort compared to that depicted in the
sermons of the early days. Mr. Jordin gives a vivid picture of one of these
sermons delivered by a Presbyterian divine, William Houston, who, he said,
impressed him more than any preacher he ever heard.
"I remember of listening to Houston preach one night from the words:
'Ephriam is a cake not turned. Strangers have devoured his strength and
he knoweth it not. Yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he
knoweth it not.' He must have spoken for at least two hours. It was one
of the most terrific arraignments of the world, the flesh and the devil that
I ever listened to. Nor was his preaching ineffective. I saw one night 21
new converts who had come into the fold under his preaching stand up to
testify as to what the Lord had done for them. It was an indescribable
scene and one long to be remembered by those who witnessed it."
Congregational Church. — There is some difference of opinion as to
the date of the organization of the Gallatin Congregational church. Judge
J. T. Day gives the date as May 5, 1866. The history of Daviess County,
published in 1882, places the date at May 6, 1876. The meeting at which
the organization was perfected was held in the court house. The Rev. 0.
A. Thomas of Richmond preached in the morning, and Rev. B. Turner of
136 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Hannibal in the evening. The membership was so small that the congre-
gation soon disbanded. No church building was erected.
Catholic Church. — Only one church of the Catholic faith has ever been
built in Daviess County. This church was situated a short distance from
old Bancroft. It was dedicated June 28, 1878, by the Right Rev. Bishop
Hogan, sasisted by Revs. Kennedy and O'Leary. The church had only a
few members, but it was hoped that a strong church would be built up.
The congregation is no longer in existence, those who remain in its mem-
bership attending the church at Oilman.
For many years the Catholic church owned a lot in Gallatin. As time
went on and there was not enough people of that faith in the vicinity to
justify the building of a church, the lot was finally donated to the city of
Gallatin to become a part of Dockery Park.
Christian Church. — The Altamont Christian Church was organized
in 1890. It has a membership of 110 and a Bible School enrollment of 80.
The value of the church building is $2500.
Soon after the Civil War a church of this denomination was establish-
ed at Carlow. It has a membership of 75, and its church property is valued
at $2,000.
The Christian church at Civil Bend was organized in February, 1868.
A church building was errected in 1872. The church has a membership of
125, and a Sunday School with an enrollment of about 100. The church
property is valued at $2,500. Elisha Frost, Barney Shriver and George
Roberts are among its leading members.
The Coffey Christian church was organized about 1890. On its mem-
bership books are 125 names, and the Bible School has an enrollment of
about 70.
The Christian church of Gallatin was organized in June, 1843, with 41
charter members. Services were held in the court house until the war,
when that building was taken over by the militia. The congi-egation then
worshipped in the Methodist and Cumberland Presbyterian churches. The
church went down during the war, and was reorganized in 1865, with 23
members. In 1866 a large frame church costing some $4,000 was erected
across the street and a little north of the present church. In 1898 the
church now used was erected, a commodious basement being added in 1921,
making it of the total value of about $15,000. The total membership of the
church is 512, with a Bible School enrollment of 450. The pastor is W.
H. Funderburk, and among its officials are W. C. Gillihan, Joshua W. Alex-
ander, Howard Poage, A. H. Pettijohn and John Reid.
March 24, 1872, is given as the date of the organization of the James-
son Christian church. A church was first erected in 1875 at a cost of some
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 137
$800. The membership has now reached 100 to 125 members, with a Sun-
day School enrollment of between 90 and 100. The value of the church
property is $4,000.
The Jamesport Church of Christ was organized in 1868 or 1869. For
a time they held services in the Methodist Episcopal Church South. They
now have a large frame church valued at about $2,000. The membership
of the church is 100, with a Bible School enrollment of 90.
Old Union church was built by several denominations, and is open to
all. The Christian church has an interest in the church. A union Sunday
School is maintained. The church property is valued at $1,200.
One of the earliest Christian churches in the county is the Clear Creek
church. It was organized before the Civil War. No report is made from
church in the 1921 yearbook. The church property is valued at $1,200.
The Lock Springs congregation was organized in 1875, though an or-
ganization had been effected prior to this time. Among the leaders of the
earlier organization were G. L. Ballinger, William Eads and Hiram Poe.
The church now has a membership of 75, with a Sunday School enrolling
about the same number. The church is valued at $2,500.
The Madison Square church was organized about 1870, and some years
later a church building erected, now valued at about $200. It has a mem-
bership of 75, and a Sunday School enrollment of 60.
The second largest Christian church in the county is at Patton.sburg.
It was organized about 1872, though prior to the war there had been a
prosperous congregation. A frame church was erected, but this was badly
damaged by the floods of 1909, and a new church built, being dedicated in
June, 1914. The property is now valued at $20,000. The church enroll-
ment is 217, and the Sunday School enrollment 230. There is also an or-
ganization of the C. W. B. M.
Prairie City Christian church was established in 1897. It has a church
building valued at about $1,500, and a membership of 125. Its Bible
School enrollment is about 65.
Whitefield church, organized in 1880. A church building was started
the same year. The membership is now between 50 and 75. The church
has no organization now.
Splawn Ridge church near Gallatin was organized about 1904, and a
church built the same year, which is valued at from $1,200 to $1,500. There
are about 35 members.
Scotland Church of Christ, formerly known as Pilot Grove, is located
in Washington Township and was established in 1856. The church now
has a membership of 200, and a church building valued at $2,500.
Oak Ridge Christian church was organized in 1876, but did not have a
138 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
church building until 1871. There were 28 charter members. The build-
ing is valued at $1,200. The enrollment of the church is 50 and of the
Sunday School, 40.
The pastors of this denomination, as listed in the 1921 Yearbook, are
Charles P. Murphy, Altamont; Earl Stark, Civil Bend and Pattonburg; Z.
Mitchell, Madison Square and Coffey; W. H. Funderburk, Gallatin; H. H.
Tinsley, Lock Springs ; and C. E. Hunt, Whitefield.
Evangelical Church. — As far back as 1868, an Evangelical Church was
located in School District No. 1, in Colfax Township. In the fall of 1879,
it was decided to build a church in Winston. A brick church 32x44 feet
was erectfed. The congregation was largely made up of Pennsylvania Ger-
mans, among them the Triems. In 1882 the church had a membership
of 50. As time passed the membership dwindled and in 1918 the few re-
maining members reluctantly decided to disband. The church has now
been torn down and a residence occupies the church site.
Baptist Church. — The Baptist churches of Daviess County, together
with four Harrison County churches are organized into the Daviess County
Baptist Association. The officers are, 0. E. Turner, Moderator; S. W.
Brandom, Secretary ; and A. R. Graham, Treasurer. The 20th annual meet-
ing was held in Pattonsburg, Sept. 10, 11, 1921. The statistics below are
from that report.
The Altamont church, the youngest in the county, was organized in
1900. It has a membership of 37 and a Sunday School enrollment of 33.
The church is free from indebtedness and is valued at $1,500. Clerk, Elva
Cole. Pastor, Dan R. Gott.
A church was organized at Coffey in 1888. The church property is
valued at $6,500, but there is a debt upon it of about $400. There are 148
members of the church, and 45 enrolled in Sunday School. Pastor, W. A.
Hyde. Clerk, Miss Eileen Lowe.
The Crab Orchard Baptist church was originally called the South Big
Creek church, and under this name was organized by Elder Benjamin Smith
and Deacon Samuel Penn on Dec. 5, 1846. There were eight charter mem-
bers. On the first Sunday in April, 1860, the congregation unanimously
decided to change the name to Crab Orchard. B. F. Kenney was the pastor
at that time. The present church house was erected in 1860, and is valued
at $1,200. The membership is about 40. Clerk, Mrs. Hattie Adams .
Three Baptist churches have been organized in Gallatin. Of the first
nothing can be learned. The next one was organized in 1855 by Elders R.
C. Hill and Franklin Graves. Meetings were held over a store where the
postoffice now is. R. C. Hill was the first pastor and was succeeded in 1857
by B. F. Kenney. Arrangements for building a church were begun but
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 139
the war made it necessary to disband. Mr. Kenney continued to preach
there as often as possible and in 1870, Kenney Chapel Baptist church was
organized. Meetings were held in the Cumberland Presbyterian church
until the completion of the Baptist church which was located one block
north of the northwest corner of the public square. In 1905, the congre-
gation began making plans for a new church, work, however, not beginning
until 1910. The church was formerly dedicated June 4, 1911. A home for
the pastor was purchased in 1914. The value of the church property is
estimated at $17,400. The present membership, 245. Sunday School en-
rollment, 225. Pastor, R. F. Judson. Clerk, A. R. Maffitt.
Grand River Baptist church, the oldest of the denomination, and the
first or second of any denomination, in the county, was organized Dec. 14,
1833. For years they worshiped in a log school house. The first church
was erected in 1864. A few years ago a new building was put up, and is
valued at $3,000. There are now 109 members of the church and the Sun-
day School enrollment is 50. Pastor, B. Venable. Clerk, Virgil Jenkins.
Hickory Creek church, located in Washington Township, was erected in
1869 by a stock company formed of those in the neighborhood interested
in having a church in the community. The church cost $1,700. A board
of trustees was elected, and the first board was comprised of Gabriel Feurt,
J. C. Glaze and William Grant. The first pastors in charge were J. L.
Netherton for the Baptists, and J. H. Tharp for the Presbyterians. The
church is now inactive. The Baptists report 25 members. Crit Feurt is
the clerk.
The Jameson church was organized in 1892. Although one of the new-
est churches, it has the second largest membership of any Baptist church
in the county — 189. The Sunday School enrollment is 117. A Woman's
Missionary Society and Young Women's Au.xiliary are maintained. Pastor,
C. W. Kent. Clerk, F. L. Scott. The value of the church property is $5000.
The church at Jamesport was established in 1867. For some time
services were held in the Methodist church. About 1882 a church house
was erected. Many improvements have been made, and the property is
now valued at $3,500. It has 87 members, and 85 in the Sunday School.
Mrs. Dan R. Gott is president of the Ladies Aid Society. Pastor, Dan R.
Gott. Clerk, Miss Jennie Harrah.
Lick Fork, in Harrison Township, is the largest rural Baptist church in
the county. It has a membership of 186, and a Sunday School enrollment
of 23. A women's missionary society is also maintained. It was organized
in 1867 or 1869, with nine members. A church was built in 1871. The pas-
tor is Ellwood James, and Clarence Dewey is clerk.
The Rev. B. F. Kenney and the Rev. Mr. Black assisted in organizing
140 - HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
the church in Sheridan Township in July, 1858. The church building is
valued at $1,200. The congregation numbers 37 members, and the Sunday
School enrolls 30. W. M. Bristow is clerk.
New Salem church is in the southwest corner of Jefferson Township.
It was organized in 1846 and was formerly known at Victoria church. It
was then one of the most prominent churches in the county, but its mem-
bership has now declined to 30. The church is valued at $1,200. Joseph
Coin is clerk.
Olive church was organized in 1872. The church property is valued
at $1,500. There are 65 members and 34 are enrolled in the Sunday School.
The pastor is Lewis Clark, and the clerk is Otto Critten.
A church was established at Pattonsburg in 1881. A church building
was erected in that year at a cost of $1,500. The church now used is val-
ued at $7,500. The membership is 154, and the Sunday School enrollment,
159. A Women's Missionary Society and Ladies Aid Society are maintain-
ed by the members. The pastor is J. W. Trower, and A. J. Coffey, is clerk.
In 1880, the Rev. Joseph Wood organized a church in Lincoln Town-
ship, three miles south of old Bancroft. For a time it was called for the
organizer, but the name has been changed to Pilot Grove church. There
are now 51 members, and 40 are enrolled in the Sunday School. The church
is valued at $1,200. Richard Griffith is clerk.
Pilot Grove Church No. 2, was organized in 1886. It has 83 members,
the Sunday School enrolling 27. The church building is valued at $3,000.
W. E. Kaufman is pastor and A. L. Mann is clerk.
Pleasant Ridge church has a membership of 83 and a Sunday School
enrollment of 59. The church property is valued at $1,200. Lillie Weldon
is clerk.
Union Grove church was organized in 1886. The church has an en-
enrollment of 59. The church property is valued at $1,200. Lillie Weldon
is clerk.
The Winston church has a membership of 128, and the Sunday School
has an enrollment of 100. Mrs. V. C. Huffman is president of the Ladies
Aid Society. A. B. Brown is pastor, and Cora McWilliams, clerk. The
church property is valued at $3,000.
In addition to Baptist churches, which are members of the Daviess
County Baptist Association, this denomination holds an interest in Old
Union church which is owned jointly by the Christian and Baptist churches.
Services are no longer held there regularly. Hickory Creek church, now
inactive, was owned by the Baptists and Presbyterians.
The Old School Baptists established a church in Lincoln Township in
1859. Rev. James M. Ward was the first pastor. The church is still active.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 141
Another church of this denomination was organized in 1850 in Colfax
Township.
There are two Free Will Baptist churches in the county — the Muddy
(Philadelphia) Free Will Baptist church and the Center Point Free Will
Baptist church. Both are in the northern part of the county.
The Methodist Epi.scopal Church. — There are in the county six Meth-
odist Episcopal churches forming a part of the Cameron District.
Altamont Methodist church has a church building valued at $4,000. It
has 169 full and 12 preparatory members. The pastor is W. T. Cline. The
church at Mabel is part of the Altamont charge.
F. A. Tinney is pastor of the churches at Coffey and Oilman. The two
charges have a membership of 231, and a Sunday School enrollment of 233.
The two churches are valued at $9,500.
The church at Civil Bend was organized in 1865 through the efforts of
Rev David Heath. There were about 15 charter members. A frame church
was built in 1868, costing about $1,500. A parsonage was also erected.
The Jamesport church was organized in 1869, with a membership of
25. The first church building was put up in 1871 and dedicated by Rev.
Oscar Deshles. It was a frame building, and an addition was added in 1883.
In 1903 a new lot was purchased a block from the business section of the
town and on it was erected a brick building valued at about $12,000. An
addition was added the past summer. The church now has about 286
members with a Sunday School enrollment of 315 and an average atten-
dance of 139. The pastor is A. S. Olsen.
The church was established at Winston in 1874 under the direction of
Rev. H. S. Barnes. The following year a frame church building was begun
but was not completed until 1876. The membership is now 320, with a
Sunday School enrollment of 268. The pastor is Rev. C. H. Ragsdale. The
church property is valued at $10,000, the parsonage at $2,000.
The first Methodist church at Pattonsburg was built in 1882. Before
it was entirely completed it was sold to the Christian church. A congrega-
tion had been organized some time before this date. Services were held in
the Baptist church until the building of the Methodist church in 1887. This
church was a frame structure valued at about $1,200. The pastor lived
at Jameson until about 1886, when a parsonage was built at Pattonsburg
The first pastor to occupy this home was Rev. Hunt, and the church was
begun during his pastorate. Rev. S. B. Tabor was pastor at the time of its
completion. It was dedicated by Bishop Hendricks, January, 1888. This
church was used until after the floods of 1909, after which a large and com-
modious church was built, which is valued at $25,000. The parsonage is
valued at $4,000. The membership of the church is now 312, of the Sunday
142 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
School, 225. The Women's Missionary Society, 21. The pastor is K. T.
Davis.
Methodist Episcopal Church, South. — The Gallatin church was organ-
ized in 1832, but the records prior to 1839 have been lost. It was probably
included in a circuit, and the latter date is usually given as the date of or-
ganization. There was neither church nor school house in the county be-
fore 1835. The first preaching of any denomination in the county was
held at the cabin of Hardin Stone by the Rev. Hardin Ellington about 1833.
The first regular pastor was Rev. Abraham Millice in 1839 and 1840. In 1859
a frame church was erected at a cost of about $1,500, and was dedicated
by Rev. E. K. Miller. This building was replaced in 1886 by another frame
structure at a cost of $3,500. It was dedicated by Rev. John D. Vincil. The
last service was held in this church July 28, 1912. The new building, valu-
ed at $35,000, was dedicated in January, 1913, by Dr. W. F. McMurray. The
church has a membership of 384. The first Sunday School in the county
was organized in this church in 1850, with Judge John D. Coulson as super-
intendent. The enrollment is now 250. A Ladies Aid Society and Wo-
man's Missionary Society are maintained. A parsonage valued at $4,000
is owned by the church. The pastor. Rev. S. E. Hoover, also preaches at
Centenary twice a month.
Centenary was organized in 1882 by Rev. Atterbury. There were only
seven members at this time. Uncle Davis Van Dyke and six ladies. They
collected money and material and built a church, which was dedicated by
Rev. R. H. Cooper in 1883. This church was in a thriving condition for
years as at one time they had as many as 250 members. Of late years
many have moved their membership to Gallatin and towns nearby, so that
only about 50 members are left. Sunday School is held during the summer
months, E. G. Knight, being superintendent.
Wesley Chapel, three miles north of Pattonsburg, was originally a
North Methodist church. About 25 years ago. Bethel and Ellis Chapel
united and remodeled Wesley Chapel. It has since been of the Methodist
church. South. The church is valued at about $3,000. There is a member-
ship of about 40.
The Methodist Episcopal church. South, at Jamesport, was built in
1879, at a cost of $1,500. It was dedicated by the Rev. E. R. Hendricks.
In 1882 the church had a membership of 26, which has increased to 226 at
the present time. It has a Sunday School enrollment of about 300. The
church has been remodelled and an addition built, the structure now being
valued at $5,000. A parsonage is located about three blocks from the
church. C. L. Green is the pastor.
The Lock Springs church was organized in 1865. The names of onlv
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 143
four of the original members are known — Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Drummond,
and John and James Brown. A building was soon erected. In 1882 the
chuixh had a membership of over 200. The church is now on the Lock
Springs circuit, composed of Lock Springs, Mt. Olive, Spring Hill and Cen-
tral Chapel, the last three being in Livingston County. The churches of
the circuit have a total membership of 436. The four churches are valued
at $8,000. A parsonage, valued at $1,500, is owned by the churches. The
pastor is F. G. Seyforth.
In the early eighties a revival meeting was held at the old Honey Creek
school house, now known as the Shiner school house. As a result of the
meeting it was decided to build a church in the vicinity. Through the per-
sonal efforts of Wes. Woods and other prominent citizens, funds were secur
ed. Most of the work on the building was done by the members. The
church Monroe Chapel was dedicated in 1889 by Willis E. Dockery. For a
time the congregation flourished, but now the major portion of the original
members have died, others have moved away, and the motor cars have
placed the remaining members in closer touch with the Gallatin church. In
1921, the church disbanded and the building was sold.
The first church to be built in Jamesport Township was Ketron Chapel,
erected in 1858 or 1859 at a cost of $750. It was a frame building 46 by 56
feet. It was named for William Ketron, a prominent minister. A few
years later this church was sold and a new church erected some distance
away. The new church was built in 1879 at a cost of $1,000, and was ded-
icated by Rev. John D. Vincil. Since that time the church has been thoroly
remodeled. Prior to the erection of the church building, a Methodist con-
gregation had existed in this community, which had held sei'vices regularly
since 1838. In 1842 a class was organized with Isaac Jordin as leader. The
first minister was Rev. Reuben Aldridge, who preached for this congrega-
tion in 1838.
The church known as White Oak was organized in 1866 by Rev. J. F.
Shores, and for four years services were held in a school house. In 1870,
a church was built about one-half mile south of Jameson at a cost of $1,500.
For a number of years Harold L. Yates was superintendent of the Sunday
School. The church was destroyed by fire in 1874.
The same year the principal members of White Oak Chapel organized
the Jameson church, and a building was erected, costing when completed
about $1,800. The church maintains a Sunday School of over 150 members
and a Women's Missionary Society. The Jameson, Wesley Chapel and Ket-
ron churches now form the Jameson circuit, of which Rev. A. Snowden is
pastor. The three churches have a membership of 125. A parsonage val-
ued at $2,000 is owned by the churches.
144 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Presbyterian Church.— There are at present five Presbyterian churches
in Daviess County, Gallatin, Bethel, Prairie, Grand River and Lock Springs.
They form a part of the Presbytery of McGee.
The Gallatin church was formed by the union of the First Presbyterian
and Cumberland Presbyterian churches in 1905.
The Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized on Dec. 24, 1857,
under the direction of Rev. W. D. Mahan. The following year a church
was built at a cost of $1,200. The present church was built in 1892 at a
cost of $7,000.
The First Presbyterian church was organized April 29, 1871. A frame
building was erected on the lot now occupied by the Virgil Wynne residence.
The church had a devoted, but never a large membership. In May, 1905,
at a congregational meeting, it was voted to unite with the Cumberland
Presbyterian church.
The church now has an enrollment of 118, the Sunday School of 115,
and the Women's Missionary Society of 35. A manse is owned by the
church and is located on a lot adjoining the church building. For nine
years the Rev. J. H. Tharp was pastor of this church, also preaching in a
number of other churches in the county. The pastor at present is C. W.
Smith.
Bethel church dates its origin back to 1860. On April 26 of that year,
a group of Presbyterians effected an organization at the Goodbar School
house under the leadership of the Rev. J. W. French. Owing to the Civil
War the congregation soon became discouraged. After the close of the
war, there was an attempt to get the congregation together, but it was not
fully reorganized until 1871. A church building was then begun and com-
pleted the following year at a cost of $2,126. When the two Presbyterian
churches united, the Hopewell congregation was added to the Bethel con-
gregation. The membership of the church now numbers 20.
Old Harmony church, northeast of Carlow, was built in 1869. In 1887
Prairie Valley church was built by the members of old Harmony and the old
church was abandoned. The church now has a membership of 60, and a
Sunday School enrollment of 50. The pastor is Rev. L. E. Brown.
In 1913, the Bethel and Prairie Valley churches purchased a tract of
land at Blake and erected a most attractive manse.
Grand River church was erected a number of years ago. The congre-
gation has gradually become scattered and at the last report to the General
Assembly, it had only two members. In 1921 the McGee Presbytery ap-
pointed the Rev. C. W. Smith and Elder J. A. Selby a special committee to
investigate the condition of the church and report what steps should be
taken regarding it.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 145
The church at Lock Springs was organized in 1860. The first pastor
was Rev. John French. This congregation is now the largest of the Pres-
byterian denomination in the county, having a membership of 186, and a
Sunday School enrollment of about 100. A manse is owned by the church.
T. M. Click is the pastor.
Seventh Day Adventists. — The Seventh Day Adventists have one
church in the county which is located in Jefferson Township. The leading
member of the original congregation was Joseph H. Mallory. Desiring a
church of his own faith near his home, he and with the other members of
the congregation selected a site on his farm and work was immediately
begun on a church which was completed in 1885. Seven years later Mr.
Mallory and his wife conveyed the land upon which the church was situated
to the Seventh Day Adventists General Conference Association. Some
years later it was discovered that the land was not correctly described, and
a suit is now pending to determine the title of the church site.
CHAPTER X.
SCHOOLS.
EARLY DAY SUBSCRIPTION SCHOOLS— PIONEER TEACHERS— FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE-
LOCATION OF EARLY SCHOOLS— TEACHERS INSTITUTES— HIGH SCHOOLS— CON-
SOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOLS— APPROVED RURAL. SCHOOLS— GRAND RIVER COL-
LEGE—GRAND RIVER ACADEMY— GALLATIN ACADEMY.
Before the organization of the public school system subscription
schools were established. The 1882 history of the county says, "In 1835
schools were taught, and from that day there has been no faltering by the
way." However, no record of a school is found prior to 1837. This school
was taught by H. W. Enyart, in Benton Township, in the summer of 1837.
The term lasted for three months and in the following winter he taught
another term of the same length. The salary was $2.00 per scholar, one
account says $2.50, and was payable in produce, corn, deerskins, honey, etc.
Occasionally money was paid but this was the exception rather than the
rule.
A. S. Youtsey taught the first school in Union Township in a small
cabin adjoining his farm. His terms were $3.50 per student for a session
of three months. The first school house in the county was erected on his
farm. The lumber was furnished by the settlers. The carpenter work
cost $25 and William Bixby was the contractor.
The following account of the first schools in Jamesport Township is
given in the 1882 history. "The first school taught was in a log cabin on
Auberry's farm and taught by Lewis McCoy. This was in 1838. He got
$6.00 per month, for six pupils and boarded around. On the John Hill place
was the first school house and school was kept by James H. B. McFerran ;
who afterwards was a lawyer and banker at Gallatin, and now lives in Colo-
rado. He had some seven or eight pupils and taught for $2.00 per scholar,
a session of three months. It is evident that it was not the superabundance
of wealth realized from teaching that caused him to take his departure."
The first school house in Benton Town.ship was built in the summer of
1842. It was made of round lots, 16x18 feet, in size and had a dirt floor.
It had a clapboard roof held with mud. The equipment consisted of smooth
purcheon seats and desks. The building was put up by the neighbors.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 147
among them being Isaac and David Groomer, John D. WilHams, John Gith-
ens and Joseph McCrasky. This building was in the north half of the sec-
tion 28. John Githens taught the first school here and had about 20 pupils
and received $3.50 per scholar for a three months term.
In 1846 the first school house was built in Colfax Township, and was
on the Caster farm in section 15. Miss Elizabeth Morton was the first to
teach in the building and she received, regardless of the number of pupils,
$10.00 per month for her services. Not more than a year later a school
was taught in the west side of the township by M. C. Weddle and he charged
$1.00 tuition per pupil.
James Jeffries taught the fii'st school in Lincoln Township in 1844. The
school house was erected on Section 30, between ten and 15 pupils attended
the first term. Mr. Jeffries was paid $15.00 per month.
The first school house in Marion Township was built of small lots or
poles, Jonathan Trotter was the first teacher. A Mr. Peiffer taught the
first school in Jackson Township on Penniston's Ridge. Here the first school
building was erected at a cost of from $15.00 to $20.00. The first school in
Liberty Township was taught by Joseph Starling.
Two school houses were built in Sheridan Township in 1842. C. Need-
ier was the first teacher, receiveing $1.50 per pupil unless the higher
branches were taught.
Just who taught the first school in Monroe Township is not known.
R. Owens taught in the township in 1837. James Hemly is supposed to have
taught prior to that time but the exact date cannot be determined. The
first school house was built, at a cost of about $40.00, in the Hickory Grove
neighborhood. This was in 1840. The trustees of this school were Hardin
Stone, Elijah Whitt, and George Hemry.
William P. Dunnington was one of the first to teach in Harrison Town-
ship. He had about 15 pupils in 1838 and 1839. The first school was taught
in 1836 but was poorly attended and the name of the teacher is not remem-
bered.
A Maine Yankee, Dr. Watts, was not only the first physician in Salem
Township, but the first school teacher.
In 1840 some of the settlers in Washington Township erected a school
house on the banks of Honey Creek. John D. Inlow, (or Enlow,) taught
here, having as many as 20 pupils. A large number for those days. In the
late winter of 1841-42 this building was washed away.
Teachers Institutes. — After the public schools were fairly well organ-
ized it was customary to hold county institutes. These were held just be-
fore examinations for county certificates were given and the courses offer-
ed were largely preparatory for these examinations.
148 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
In 1869 W. M. Bostaph reported to the state superintendent of schools,
"The county teachers institute in this county is in a flourishing condition,
with about 50 members, most of whom are regular attendants, and a lively
interest is being maifested by some of them."
The report of 1883-84 shows that an institute was held in Daviess
County under the management of B. F. Brown with H. H. King as instruc-
tor. The session lasted 30 days and 47 teachers were in attendance.
During the summer of 1885, the institute was managed by W. T. Paugh
with B. F. Duncan and J. J. Bryant. The term lasted ten days and was at-
tended by 71 tecahers .
The instructors during the summer of 1887 were Laura Hyden, C. H.
Dutcher and F. A. Swanger, and W. T. Pugh was again manager. Again
the attendance showed an increase, 93 being enrolled. Each teacher paid
a tuition of $3.10 for the 19 day session.
H. Hamilton was in charge of the institute in 1889 and B. F. Heaton
and others were the instructors. An institute lasting from July 9 to July
27, in 1895 and was under the management of C. A. Savage. F. W. Williams
and W. H. Buch and A. R. Alexander were the teachers. The enrollment
reached 122. At the end of the session 16 first grade, 32 second gi'ade and
49 third grade certificates were granted.
The teachers in the 1900 session which met from July 17, to August
4, were A. D. Edmison, J. L. Gallatin and F. W. Williams. 78 were enrolled.
The character of these teachers' meetings has been greatly changed.
The state university and the teacher's colleges have supplanted the county
institute for courses of insruction. Even the county meetings which usual-
ly lasted a couple of days in August and in November are being superceded
by the state and district associations.
At the time of the organization of the county statuary provisions were
in force for the organization of public schools to be supported out of the
school funds of each county and local taxation. In 1842, the first apportion-
ment of state money was made, but Daviess County had no schools entitled
to this fund. At the next apportionment in February, 1843, one school re-
ceived state aid. District No. 1, in Township 59, Range 26. 42 children
were taught in the school out of a possible enrollment of 59. The account
of state money received was $35.40 when the fifth apportionment in Jan-
uary, 1846, was made, four schools were entitled to aid and the sum received
was $146.74.
The report of the state superintendent of schools for the year 1854
contains much detailed information regarding the schools.
At that time the effort from Daviess County showed that out of the
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 149
2,345 children between the ages of five and 20, 1,084 were enrolled in the
schools. The average attendance was, however, much lower than this. 30
teachers were employed, 23 of whom were men. The average salary per
month for the men was $19.12, while the women had to content themselves
with an average of $10.60. The average length of the school year was four
months, seven days. The sum of $442.00 was reported raised for building
and repairing school houses.
The school system continued to grow until the Civil War. During that
period many of the schools were suspended. By 1886 the system had been
somewhat reorganized and the report for that year showed that there were
in the county 61 primary schools and three private or select schools, with
an average school term of four and one third months and an average atten-
dance of 29.
For the school year ending in June, 1821, the reports show that the
enumeration for that year was 4,105. The decreases in enumeration are
to be accounted for in decrease in the whole population of the county. The
average daily attendance was 3,538. Two schools have less than a six
months term. 16 have between six and eight months. 60 have eight
months, and seven have a nine months term. 297 pupils were graduated
from the common school course in 1921.
There were 153 teachers employed in the schools, 25 men and 128
women, while in 1854, only seven of the 30 teachers employed were women.
There still remains, however, considerable differnce in the average salary
paid men and women. In 1921 the average salary per month for the for-
mer was $110, for women $80. Of the 153, 18 held state, 41 held normal
and 94 held county certificates. The estimated value of school property in
the county is $250,000, while equipment is valued at $35,000.
Right Schools. — High Schools were eai'ly established in the county.
The report of the state superintendent in 1910 showed that Gallatin main-
tained a first class, Plattonburg a third class and Jamesport an unclassified
high school.
In the last 11 years great progress has been made. By 1915 there were
three first class high schools. Gallatin, Jamesport and Pattonsburg; two
third class high schools, Coffey and Jameson. The schools at Altamont
Lock Springs and Winston were on the unclassified list. Which schools of
Coffey, Jameson and Lock Springs, had been added to the list of fii-st class
high schools in 1921. There were third class schools at Altamont, Winston,
Blake and Carlow.
Two high schools provide training for teachers — Gallatin and Pattons-
burg. At Gallatin the class is taught by Mrs. Clara Wills, at Pattonsburg
by R. F. Wood.
150 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Vocational agriculture is taught at Jameson and Gallatin.
The Winston opera house is being remodeled for use as a high school.
The building is so located that the city park can be used as a play ground.
The Jamesport high school building was erected in 1914. The Galla-
tin building was completed in 1910.
The first consolidated high school in the county was built at Jameson.
The district being formed by the union of Jameson, Laswell, Brown, Brushy
Creek and the Grant schools. The first week in February, 1914, a petition
signed by 36 taxpayers, asking for consolidation was presented to I. J.
Vogelgesang, county superintendent. The election was held later in the
month and was carried by a vote of 142 to 69. The question of providing
transportation for school children which was presented as a separate pro-
position carried by a vote of 154 to 15. Two weeks later the new district
voted a bond issue of $20,000 for the erection of a school building. Early
in March the district acquired four acres for a campus, and the contract let
for the building. Seven new school wagons each accommodating 25 pupils
were also contracted for.
Suit was then made to disorganize the district ; was made a test case
before the Supreme Court. The auditor declining to register the bonds.
The court decided that the consolidation was legal and the new directors
proceeded with the work.
Two elections were brought to disorganize the district but both failed.
School opened Oct. 4, 1915, with B. F. Brown as principal.
In 1916 the county court ordered school districts known as Prairie Val-
ley 63 and Mann 64, to be hereafter designated as Blake school district No.
63-64. An attractive building was erected. In addition to the elementary
school work, two years of hight school work was ofl'ered.
Approved Rural Schools. — In 1909 the state superintendent formulated
a plan for the approval of rural schools. In 1910, Daviess County had ten
approved schools — Barnett, Johnson, Haw Branch, Madison and Swisher
with Bert E. Morgan, F. W. Williams, Edna Offield, Blanche Ayres and
Orpha Leabo as teachers.
By Jan. 1, 1916 the number had a little more than doubled, 11 schools:
Everly, Virginia Ridge, Barnett, Prairie Hall, Splawn's Ridge, Prairie Hill,
Castor and Madison being on the approved list.
The schools placed on the standard list in 1921 and their teachers are.
Liberty, James I. Ray; Netherton, Mrs. Irvin Schapaugh; Goodbar, Mary
Croy; Fairview, Orla Olsen ; Prairie Hall, Gertrude Parmley; Pleasant
Grove, Bernice Miller; Blake, Mi-s. Alvin Nebelsick ; Island No. 10, Ferm
Meloy; Wooderson, Ora Quitmyer; Allen, Mary Temple.
Grand River College. — Grand River College, then located at Edinburg,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 151
in Grundy County, was oi-ganized and opened to the public in 1850. It was
a co-educational institution, and is said to have been the first college in the
state to admit women on equal terms with men. It was first called Grand
River College Association. It had its inception in the enterprising spirit
of the Baptists of Grundy and adjoining counties. Several years later the
name of the organization was changed and the institution incorporated as
Grand River College. For 40 years this unpretentious college maintained
a record of faithful and efficient work. Its faculty included some of the
ablest educators in the state.
Edinburg was an inland town, and in 1892, the trustees decided that in
order to make the college more accessible, enlarge its facilities and increase
its usefulness, its removal to another location was desirable. Gallatin was
selected. The citizens of Gallatin agreed to furnish the college site and to
erect a building, to cost when completed, including furnishings, not less
than $15,000, and when completed, to convey the site and buildings to the
six Baptist Associations, Mt. Moriah, West Fork, North Grand River, Gen-
try, Livingston and Linn County. The gift was made with the understand-
ing that a college in all its appointments to the educational demands of the
age should be maintained. Any surplus remaining from the sale of town
lots in the College Addition to Gallatin, after appropriating the $15,000 for
the building, was to be added to the permanent endowment fund. The cit-
izens further agreed to raise within two years after the opening of the col-
lege an amount which when added to this surplus would be $5,000.
The college started out under very favorable conditions. Dr. W. Pope
Yeaman, a prominent Missouri educator, who had formerly been chancellor
of William Jewell College and president of the Board of Curators of the Uni-
versity of Missouri, was secured as president.
The college had seven departments, philosophy, languages, mathe-
matics and astronomy, natural science, literature and history, art, and
preparatory. It conferred the degrees of Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of
Arts, and Master of Arts, and certificates of graduation were given in any
department upon the completion of the studies in that department.
The college opened its first session at Gallatin, Oct. 3, 1893. During the
first year, 106 students were enrolled, 60 others being enrolled in the pre-
paratory department, taught in the old college building at Edinburgh.
On Jan. 16, 1893, the charter of the college was approved by the county
court, the Board of Trustees being C. P. Brandon, W. L. Merritt, I. H. Bo-
hannon, Joseph Koger, J. N. Brassfield, I. S. Lowry, E. A. Excun, F. P.
Bain, Jasper Shoemaker, S. R. Dillion, E. D. Isbell, George Tuggle and Gab-
riel Feurt.
The second year a law department was added, the work being conducted
152 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
by J. W. Alexander and President Yeaman. The total enrollment that year
reached 137.
Dr. Yeaman resigned in 1897, and the school was taken over by the
Hatton brothers, J. H. Hatton being president, M. W. Hatton, vice-president
and R. E. Hatton, secretary.
In 1902, J. H. Hatton resigned and H. E. Osborn of Warrensburg was
chosen as his successor. In November of the same year. President Osborn
resigned. A successor was not secured until August, 1913, when the Rev.
James Rice, of Bolivar, Mo., was chosen. Under the agreement with him,
the college was to be endowed and put upon a permanent basis. The trus-
tees, were, however, unable to endow the college, and after a i-ather long
struggle, the work was abandoned temporarily.
Grand River Academy. — Some time after the closing of Grand River
College, an offer was made by William Jewell College, of Liberty, to take
over the property and use it as a preparatory school. In February, 1905,
the trustees of the college met in Gallatin, and voted to accept the offer,
upon the condition that William Jewell College would provide for the mort-
gage indebtedness of Grand River College, amounting to about $1200. The
proposition made by William Jewell College was to take over the property,
changing the name to Grand River Baptist Academy of William Jewell
College, and to provide an endowment for the institution.
In May, 1906, the Board of Trustees of Grand River College decided to
accept the offer, with some slight modifications, and arrangements were
then made to open the Academy under the principalship of Rev. 0. L. Wood,
on Sept. 19, 1906.
At the first commencement, three were graduated in music, Blanche
Deem, Charity Macy and Helen Weiser. Bessie Fannin, Lennis Downing,
Etta Fox, Claude Fannin, Jessie Wilson, Irene Stout and Frances completed
the business course.
The enrollment increased during the second year, reaching 100 in Jan-
uary, 1908..
In the summer of 1908, plans were set on foot to erect a new dormitory,
since the main building did not furnish accomodations for all the students.
To meet the growing demands of the school, several cottages near the
Academy were rented.
During the summer of 1909, plans were completed for the erection of
a $6,000 dormitory. The site selected was just west of the main building.
Work was begun in August and was practically completed, when the
Academy closed in 1910.
After again remaining vacant for several years, another attempt was
made to revive Grand River College. In February, 1914, Dr. E. W. Dow
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 153
begun negotiations with William Jewell College for the purchase of the
building. The Commercial Club invited Dr. Dow to visit Gallatin to inves-
tigate the proposition. He came in April. He proposed to open a school
for girls and asked the citizens of Gallatin to subscribe $500 annually for
five years, payable at the end of each school year.
Arrangements were made for the opening of the school in September.
At first it was called the Dow College for Girls, but it was later decided to
retain the name of the original institution. The faculty was composed of
Dr. and Mrs. Dow, Miss Helen Dow, Miss Mary Dow, in the Academic De-
partment, Prof. Dunwoody, Music Miss Ruth Early, Art, and Miss Eliza-
beth Reneau, Commercial Department. The enrollment during the first
year was near 50. The next year the standard of the college was raised,
and a full four years' course offered. In 1916 the A. B. degree was confer-
red upon Miss Ethel Ramsbottom.
The third year there were three graduates from the preparatory de-
partment, Mary Moore, Lucille Netherton and Ruth Ramsbottom, and
Georgia O'Hare from the collegiate department.
In 1918, the graduates were Cecil Burns, Fay Croy, Esther Foley, Mary
Croy and Edna Merritt.
During the fall of 1918, an attempt was made to make Grand River
College an accredited military school for the Students Army Training
Corps. Negotiations were well under way and promised to be successful,
but before the petition was acted upon by the government, the college burn-
ed. The dormitory, built in 1909, but which was never used, is all that is
left to show for this institution of higher learning.
Gallatin Academy. — The State Legislature of 1849 passed an act in-
corporated the Daviess County Female Academy, pursuant to the provi-
sions of which, the county court, in July, 1849, appointed as the first board
of trustees Jonathan E. Mann, Volney E. Bragg, Francis M. Estes, Joseph
L. Nelson, John D. Williams, Benedict Weldon and John D. Coulson.
Six years later the legislature passed an act incorporateing the Daviess
County Academy and Masonic Hall, naming as the first directors : John
Cravens, Samuel Bryan, John D. Coulson, Thomas T. Frame, Nathan Gil-
lilan, James McFerran, and Edgar C. Kelso.
Just when the Academy opened is not known. The first principal was
a Mr. Tuttle, and Miss Addie Cauthorn, later Mrs. W. M. Givens, was its
first teacher of Latin and Greek.
Others who taught at the Academy were J. S. Huffacre, R. M. Messick,
Arthur C. Weston, John C. Vertrees, Miss Carrie Smith, Mrs. Ann Givens
Cauthorn, and Miss Hattie Atchison, (Mrs. A. M. Irving).
CHAPTER XI.
BENCH AND BAR.
THREE CIRCUIT JUDGES FROM DAVIESS COI'NTY— FIRST TERM OF CIRCITIT COURT
HELD IN 1837— FIRST BUSINESS TRANSACTED— CHANGES IN JUTDICIAL CIRCUIT-
CIRCUIT JUDGES— LAWYERS IN 1860— LAWYERS WHO CAME AFTER THE CIVIL
WAR— ATTORNEYS IN 1SS2— PRESENT DAY ATTORNEYS— THE TRIAL OF FRANK
JAMES.
In the little more than 85 years of its existence, Daviess County has
furnished three Circuit Judges, James McFerran, Samuel A. Richardson
and Joshua W. Alexander.
The first term of the circuit court was held at the home of Elisha B.
Creekmore on the first Thursday after the fourth Monday in July, 1837.
Judge Austin A. King presided. Thomas C. Burch acted Prosecuting At-
torney, James B. Turner as Clerk, and William Bowman, Sheriff. The
county was then a part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit. The court lasted one
day, disposed of two petitions in debt and continued a third. The grand
jury returned one indictment, for manslaughter. The thii'd session of the
court, in March, 1838, was more exciting. It had been discovered that bet-
ting on and playing at cards were indictable offenses, and the grand jury
proceeded to do its duty. It returned 43 indictments for these offenses,
trespass, peddling without a license, and similar offenses which the free-
dom loving pioneer had regarded as among his inalienable rights to life,
liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The session lasted several days. The
40 persons idicted for betting at cards were each fined $5.00. All paid but
William Cates, who insisted upon a trial by jury of his peers. This being
granted, he was fined One Cent by said peers. It might be remarked in-
cidently that this was the first term of court which paid expenses.
Judge King held court in the county until 1839, when he was succeeded
by Thomas C. Burch. The same year Daviess County became a part of the
Eleventh Judicial Circuit, composed of Chariton, Ray, Daviess, Livings-
ton, Macon, Linn, and Graundy counties with James A. Clark of Chariton
County, as Judge, B. F. Stringfellow, of Chariton, Circuit Attorney. The
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 155
following lawyers were members of the bar : Philip L. Edwards and Amos
Reese, of Richmond; Benjamin F. Tarr and William Y. Slack, Chillicothe;
Anderson S. Harris, of Brunswick, Wesley Halliburton, of Bloomington;
and Ebenezer H. Wood, of Trenton. From 1841 until 1848, Austin A.
King was again Circuit Judge, with George W. Dunn as Circuit Attorney.
The first resident attorneys were admitted to the bar in March, 1845; The-
odore Peniston, George W. Poage, and Gabriel M. Keene, Volney E. Bragg
and James H. B. McFerran located in Gallatin in 1848. Other attorneys
who practiced in the early courts of the county were: Mordecai Oliver,
Christian Garner, John C. Griffin, John H. Shanklin and Joseph T. Tindall,
all non-residents.
George W. Dunn became judge in 1848, and served for the following
ten years. Mordecai Oliver was Circuit Attorney. He was succeeded in
1852 by Christian Garner. In 1855, James H. B. McFerran became the first
county attorney.
Daviess County now became a part of the Seventh Judicial Circuit,
and in 1859 James H. B. McFerran was elected judge, serving until 1864.
James Clark, of Livingston County, became Judge in 1864.
A change Was again made in the circuits in 1872, Daviess County being
made a part of the 28th circuit, composed of Gentry, Worth and Harrison
counties. Samuel A. Richardson was made judge, serving until 1880.
The next circuit judge was John C. Howell, of Bethany.
A Missouri State Gazeteer and Business Directory, published in the
year 1860 lists the following lawyers in Daviess County : B. M. Butler and
S. B. Gutherie, of Cravensville ; J. K. Cravens, R. L. Dodge, R. E. Douglas,
J. H. Kinkead, John A. Leopard and Samuel A. Richardson, of Gallatin.
This list is probably quite incomplete.
During and following the close of the Civil War, a number of lawyers
came to the county. Among these were William A. Hargis, John Conover,
Wm. A. McDowell, Madison A. Ballinger, Frank Ewing, Henry C. Mc-
Dougal, D. L. Kost, W. T. Sullivan and others.
Of those who were practicing in the county in 1882, the history pub-
lished in that year makes the comments found below :
"Marcus A. Low, now in Trenton, one of the best corporation lawyers
in the State".
"Judge Samuel A. Richardson, oldest and most successful pract-
itioner here."
"William M. Rush Jr., a fluent speaker, logical and convincing."
"Joshua F. Hicklin, a close student, with unblemished character and
a reputation for honesty and fairness that is universally admired by both
the bar and the people of the county.
156 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
"H. C. McDougal, a successful young lawyer and genial gentlemen."
"William C. Gillihan, by untiring energy he has succeeded in his pro-
fession."
"Samuel T. Brosius, a young lawyer of great industry, is making a
success."
"Loren G. Rowell, a lawyer of tact and talent."
"D. L. Kost, has been an editor and much of a politician."
"William N. Richardson, a member of the bar, but finds more money
in stock-raising."
"R. A. Vance, practices in this court, but gives his attention chiefly
to speculation."
"Adams Ballinger, is a young and promising lawyer, just commencing
to practice."
"John A. Keck has been admitted, but is now merchandising."
"Boyd Dudley, youngest member of the bar, now in Socorro, New
Mexico."
"William M. Bostaph, a strict and careful business man."
"William D. Hamilton, endowed with sense, energy and pluck."
"Thomas R. Shaw, the present judge of probate, practiced success-
fully before going into oi!ice five years ago."
"Oscar Saylor, now singly and surely succeeding."
"J. A. Holliday, making commercial law a specialty."
"Joshua W. Alexander, is young and his future is full of bright pros-
pect for honor in his profession."
"Milt Ewing, a young man of ability and learning."
"Edward E. Yates, a promising young man, a good talker, good
student, splendid business qualifications."
"G. A. Chapman, E. A. Huson and W. W. Snider are young and prom-
ising attorneys at Winston."
"Thomas A. Gaines, at Jameson, has long been in the practice, and re-
ceives his share of the legal business."
"Wm. G. GaUison, at Jamesport, practices successfully, but gives more
time and attention to cattle-raising."
Forty years has wrought many changes in the personal of the bar.
Of those above mentioned, only two are new practicing actively — J. W.
Alexander and Boyd Dudley. W. C. Gillihan, while still living, has been
compelled because of ill health to retire almost completely from the prac-
tice. Some have left Gallatin and attained eminence in the practice else-
where, among whom are Ed. E. Yates, who has for many years maintained
a foremose place among the lawyers of Kansas City ; H. C. McDougal, who
also removed to Kansas City, where he died a few years ago; and M. A.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 157
Low, whose remarkable career as a corporation lawyer was brought to close
with his death at Topeka. Kansas, only a few months ago. With the pass-
ing of the years, the youth of the bar of 1882 has become the veteran of
the present, and Boyd Dudley, then referred to as the youngest member
is now probably the oldest in point of continuous active practice within the
county. The period of practice of J. W. Alexander has been divided by a
term of highly honorable public service, in which he served successively
as Circuit Judge, Congressman and Secretary of Commerce. Thomas R.
Shaw still resides at Gallatin, but does not practice. S. T. Brosius resides
at Alton, Missouri, and D. L. Kost at Gentry, Arkansas.
In the later eighties John C. Leopard and J. A. Selby were admitted to
practice, and have resided and practiced in Gallatin continuously since that
time. Others admitted since that time and who complete the ranks of
the present bar are Nathaniel G. Cruzen, Lewis B. Gilliam, 0. C. Mettle,
Dean H. Leopard, Charles D. Brandom, and S. W. Brandom, of Gallatin ;
George B. Padget and M. E. Pangburn, of Pattonsburg.
While it is not the purpose of this history to recite in detail all trials
for murder and robbery that have taken place in the county, it might be
of interest to give some space to what was probably the most noted case
ever tried in Daviess County — the trial of Frank James.
On Dec. 7, 1869, between twelve and one o'clock, two men entered the
office of the Daviess County Savings Association. One of them asked the
cashier, Captain John W. Sheets, to change a hundred dollar bill. Cashier
Sheets went into the back room to get the money, when he was shot. Hear-
ing the shot, Mr. McDowell, the only other person in the bank, turned
quickly and was immediately covered. He managed however to get out of
the door and gave the alarm, although pursued by one of the bandits who
shot at him several times. Hastily gathering up what funds they could get
quickly, they mounted their horses and rode away, closely pursued by citi-
zens who had heard the alarm. They managed to escape. One of the horses
escaped and it was afterwards proved that it had at one time been the prop-
erty of Jesse James. In a letter to Governor McClurg, dated June, 1870,
Jesse James stoutly denied that he had anything to do with the robbery
and murder, and said that while the horse captured had belonged to him,
he had sold it prior to this time. A number of people testified that they
had seen him at other places during the time of the robbery .
On the night of July 15, 1881, the Rock Island train was robbed by
seven men, who boarded the train at Winston, and began work as soon as
they were out of town. When the order of "Everybody down" was not
obeyed by Conductor Westfall, he was promptly shot down. Other shots
158 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
were fired, Frank McMillan also being killed. Two of the men took charge
of the engine, while others entered the baggage car and forced the mes-
senger to open the safe. The amount secured was estimated from $3,000 to
$15,000. Again the James gang was suspected of the robbery and murder,
but again nothing could be proved.
In 1882, Frank James gave himself up upon the promise of the Gover-
nor that he would be given a fair trial. He was brought to Gallatin in
December, and was confined in the stone jail which was on the northwest
corner of the public square. The trial was begun Aug. 20, 1883, Judge
Goodman, of Albany, presiding. Dr. A. F. McFarland was Circuit Clerk,
and his deputy was William Sheets. George T. Crozier was sheriff and his
deputy was Gabe W. Cox. Major S. P. Cox, A. P. Shour, John Bowen and
William Hamilton were also deputies and jury attendants.
The attorneys for the State were William H. Wallace, of Kansas City,
John H. Shanklin, of Trenton, William D. Hamilton, Prosecuting Attorney
of Daviess County, and J. F. Hicklin, Gallatin. Frank James had as his
attorneys, Charles P. Johnson, John M. Glover, of St. Louis, John M. Slover,
of Independence, Mo., J. W. Alexander and Wm. Rush, Jr., of Gallatin, and
Judge John F. Phillips, of Kansas City.
The jurors were J. B. Smith, age 26; Charles R. Nance, 45; Jason Win-
burn, 39; Richard E. Hale, 24; James Snider, 37; Benjamin Feurt, 37;
Lorenzo Gilbreath, 46 ; W. F. Richardson, 53 ; William Merritt, 33 ; Oscar
Chamberlain, 31 ; A. B. Shellman, 37 ; James Boggs, 57.
The selection of this jury required four days. Over 200 witnesses were
subpoenaed. Among them were Mrs. Sarah Hite, Dick Liddell, General
Joe Shelby, Mrs. Zerelda Samuels, John D. Samuels and Mrs. Allen Palmer.
The crowds which a trial of this sort would atti-act can be imagined.
All the leading newspapers in the country sent special representatives.
The jury stood 11 to 1 in favor of acquittal on the first ballot. Lorenzo
Gilbreath being the only one favoring conviction. He soon gave in and
James was acquitted.
CHAPTER XII.
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.
WM. P. THOMPSON THE FIRST DOCTOR IN THE GRAND RIVER COUNTRY— OTHER
EARLY DAY DOCTORS— THE LIFE AND PRACTICE OF PIONEER DOCTORS— THE
DAVIESS COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY— THE GRAND RIVER MEDICAL ASSOCIA-
TION.
The first doctor to practice in this part of the Grand River country
was William P. Thompson. He was a native of South Carolina. Coming
west he settled first in Ray County. In 1833 he made his home in what
afterwards became Madison Township in Grundy County. His services as
a physician were soon in demand and for years he had a most extensive
practice.
Dr. Smith, Dr. Robert Ellis, Dr. Hoover and Samuel Venable, were
the pioneer physicians in Union Township. Dr. Ellis went to California in
the early days. The first resident physician in Jamesport Township was
Dr. Kehr. After practicing for some ten years, he moved to Memphis,
Tennessee.
Dr. William Henderson came from Kentucky in 1835 and was the first
doctor to reside in Benton Township. Soon afterwards Dr. Yater settled
in the same township. Both enjoyed a splendid practice.
Dr. D. B. Hill was the first physician to make his home in Lincoln
Township. He came from Adams County, Illinois, and settled near
Bancroft.
Drs. J. W. Hightree and Whitley Miller were the first to practice in
Marion Township. Dr. R. B. Ellis, a native of Vermont, was the first physi-
cian to settle in Jackson Township. Dr. William Livcy, a native of Virginia,
came to Liberty Township in 1838. He remained only two years and then
moved away.
Dr. John Cravens came to the county in 1837, settling first at Adam-
ondi-Ahmon, or Cravensville, as the town was later called. Some years
aftei-wards he moved to Gallatin and lived on the corner now occupied by
the Farmers Exchange Bank. He was a native of Rockingham County,
Virginia.
160 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Dr. William Allen, who came from Carroll County, was the first prac-
ticing physician of Harrison Township. After a few years he removed to
Orgeon.
A Dr. Watts, from Maine, practiced for a few yeai's in Salem Town-
ship, being the first resident physician there.
In 1860, the following physicians were practicing in the county: E. M.
Breeden, G. D. Pyles, R. M. Robertson, K. Scott, all of Cravensville.
G. W. Brosius, John Cravens, F, M, Estes, W. M. Givens, and C. C.
Hogan, all of Gallatin.
J. T. Allen, Jesse Bright, of Jamesport.
J. W. Pyle, Thomas Simms, Pattonburg.
This list is taken from a state gazeteer published in that year and the
data is probably incomplete.
The life of a physician was in those days no easy task. Long rides in
all kinds of weather, poor roads to travel over or none at all. Little train-
ing was necessary — only a comparative few medicines were used, calomel,
quinine, rhubarb and a few others being the standbys. But most of the
physicians were, according to the standards of the day, well-educated, and
when we consider how little was known of the causes and treatment of
diseases, the wonder is that they were so successful. Even rather difficult
operations were sometimes performed.
Daviess County Medical Society. — The Daviess County Medical So-
ciety was organized Dec. 19,1877, as a means of discussing problems of gen-
eral interest to the profession. Some sixteen were present at the time of
organization. Duly qualified physicians alone were admitted to member-
ship. The first officers were: Dr. W. M. Givens, President; Dr. F. C. East-
man, First Vice-President ; Dr. R. H. Robertson, Second Vice-President ;
Dr. D. F. Long, Treasurer; Dr. D. F. Hanna, Secretary. Other members of
the society were : James T. Allen, Alexander M. Dockery, G. W. Hutchison,
W. E. Black, A. H. Campbell, James H. Berry, D. M. Glagett, M. McClung,
W. H. Folmsbee, David Macy and J. H. Harmon.
After about a year and a half, this society was merged into a larger
organization known as the Grand River Medical Association. The physi-
cians of five counties united in forming this society. Meeting were held
semi-annually. One meeting was held in Chillicothe each year, on the first
Tuesday in June. The other meeting was held on the first Tuesday in
December at alternate places. Dr. W. M. Givens served as president for
one year.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE PRESS.
FIRST PAPER PUBLISHED IN THE GRAND RIVER COUNTRY IN 1S43— FIRST NEWS-
PAPER PUBLISHED IN DAVIESS COUNTY IN 1853— EARLY DAY NEWSPAPERS
AND PUBLISHERS— ED. HOWE ENGAGED IN NEWSPAPER WORK HERE— LATER
PI'BLICATIONS— NEWSPAPERS AT GALLATIN. WINSTON, COFFEY, LOCK-
SPRINGS. JAMESON, ALTAMONT, JAMESPORT, PATTONSBURG AND OTHER
PLACES.
No newspaper was published in the Grand River country until 1843.
At that time James H. Darlington established the Grand River Chronicle
at Chillicothe. Under his management, the paper became one of the most
influential in North Missouri. His son, E. S. Darlington, took charge of
the paper in 1855, and published it until 1860. Because of its advocacy
of the doctrine of secession, the paper was suppressed by the Federal
authorities. This paper no doubt had some subscribers in Daviess County.
It was not until 1853 that a newspaper was published within the
county. At that time the Missouri Sun was established by Stearns and
McKean. It was Democratic in politics.
In 1917 a copy of this paper was found by J. C. McDonald, which was
dated Feb. 1, 1855. A description of the paper was given by the Jameson
Gem:
"The paper shows a splendid advertising patronage from business
firms in Gallatin, Brunswick, St. Joseph, Pattonsburg. Chillicothe, Kings-
ton and other places. One Gallatin merchant ran a want ad to buy up 1000
yards of brown jeans, 1000 yards of white linsey, 500 dozen pair of socks
and other home-made products. One peculiar advertisement was that of
S. Bryan, who offered to pay the highest prices in trade for deerskins."
Two years later Frame & McKean became the proprietors, and the
name of the paper was changed to the Gallatin Sun, and for the next three
years, it upheld the politics of the "Know Nothing" party. The failure of
the party meant the death of the paper.
After the failure of the Sun in 1858, Edward S. Darlington, former
162 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
editor of the Grand River Chronicle, bought the materials and began the
publication of a Democratic sheet, known as the Western Register. He
continued the paper for four years, when it was sold. Mr. Darlington at
various times edited papers at Chillicothe, Trenton, Kirksville, Lawson,
Holt, Rayville, Columbia, Fulton and other places. He died near Richmond
in 1912. According to D. H. Davis, while Darlington was in Gallatin, he
fell heir to an estate in Virginia, most of which he spent in buying a negro
servant. The servant soon skipped to Kansas and sent back word that he
was free as his former master.
James Graham, who purchased the Westei'n Register from E. S. Darl-
ington in 1862, changed the name of the paper to the Peoples Press. Al-
though Mr. Graham was a Democrat, he made it a local rather than a
party organ. In spite of its conservativeness, the editor incurred the wrath
of the militia, and in 1864 the paper was suspended.
The establishment of the North Missourian is told by Mr. Kost, one
of its first editors, in the Dec. 29, 1905, issue of that paper. He tells of
coming to Gallatin in Aug., 1864, and of meeting B. J. Waters, a young
lawyer, who suggested that they buy out Mr. Graham.
The first issue came out Aug. 28, 1864. Six months later B. J. Waters
sold his interest to Mr. Kost and removed to Ray County and at the next
election was elected to the Legislature from that county. In 1865, J. T.
Day became associated with Mr. Kost. At this time there was no news-
paper in DeKalb County, and the Missourian managed to get most of the
printing from that county. In 1871 Mr. Kost disposed of his interest to
W. T. Foster. Mr. Kost later represented Daviess County in both branches
of the State Legislature.
In March, 1873, Mr. Foster retired, and Josiah Powell purchased his in-
terest. Mr. Powell sold out to William T. Sullivan in Aug., 1875, and re-
moved to Chillicothe, where for twenty years he served as surveyor and
deputy.
Mr. Sullivan was a leader of the Radical party. In 1881 he was ap-
pointed to a government position in the Pension Department, continuing
in that work nearly six years. For 25 years he was a post-oflSce inspector.
He died in 1910.
Mr. Day disposed of his interest in the Missourian, and for a time Mr.
Sullivan was sole editor.
Harley Brundidge then became one of the editors. He retired after
two years. Mr. Brundidge has since attained considerable fame as an edi-
tor, becoming chief director of the Los Angelos Express and Tribune. He
was a member of the board that framed the charter for Los Angeles. At
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 163
present he is President of the Raih'oad Commission of the state of Cali-
fornia.
In 1893 or 1894, R. M. Harrah purchased the Missourian. He was suc-
ceeded by D. H. Gilchrist, who soon disposed of it to C. M. Harrison. Mr.
Harrison continued to edit the paper until 1909, when the paper was pur-
chased by S. G. McDowell, a former editor of Bethany. In 1913, Mr. Har-
rison and his son, Fred M. Harrison, again acquired the paper and it has
continued under their management up to the present time. Fred M. Har-
rison having the active management.
Ed. Howe, later editor of the Atchison Globe, was once an employee of
the North Missourian. An interesting account of his life in Gallatin, is
written by Judge McDougal.
"Twenty-six years ago, when I, a stranger in a strange land, was
wrestling with the mysteries of Blackstone here at Gallatin, a rosy-faced,
good-natured printer boy struck town and went to setting type in the
North Missourian office, then owned and edited by Kost & Day. We took
our meals at Mrs. Emmons boarding house * * * * The printer boy
heard everything, said little, was full of quiet, quaint humor, and had sense,
and I became very fond of him. So after he drifted away from here, I kept
track of him but did not appreciate his well-earned fame until I read his
'Story of a Country Town' only a few years ago. That settled it. for the
'Twin Mounds' of that book is Bethany, the county seat next north of us,
and Howe's old home. And no old citizen of Gallatin can read the book
without recognizing at once John Williams as the 'nervous little druggist,'
old man Jacobs as the 'big fat blacksmith' and Harfield Davis' drug store
as 'the place where all questions, political, religious and social were dis-
cussed and settled,' although Howe does not directly name either."
Although not mentioned in any history of the county, the Columbia
Statesman makes mention of a Democratic paper published in Gallatin
from January, 1854, through 1858. The paper was published by G. W.
Gardner and L. R. Stephens, and was known as the Gallatin Spectator.
The Democratic paper which had been published prior to and during
the war had in the latter part of the war incurred the enmity of the militia
and had been suppressed. The party now demanded an organ of expression,
and the Torchlight was established in the summer of 1866, by James M.
Gallimore and William H. Schrader. In October of the same year, Mr.
Schrader sold his interest to his partner and went to Maryville, where in
1869 he acquired an interest in the Maryville Register, later the DeKalb
County Herald. On Jan. 30, 1869. Mr. Gallimore sold the paper to Thomas
and George Frame, and the paper was edited by Thomas Frame. In July,
1869, D. Harfield Davis took charge of the paper and from that time on the
164 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
succcess of the paper was assured. The name was soon changed to Dem-
ocrat.
Mr. Davi.s remained an editor until June 30, 1870, when he retired for
a few months in favor of Frank P. Warner. In the fall of 1871 Mr. Davis
again became editor. During this time the paper was gaining in popularity,
and was organizing the Democratic party into fighting form. In 1872,
Mr. Davis again retired temporarily and during the campaign of 1872 the
Democrat was edited by S. M. C. Reynolds. For the first time since the
war, the Democratic party won out in the county election. In December,
1872, Mr. Davis again assumed the management of the paper, which he
retained until Feb. 26, 1874, when he sold the office and good will to Dr.
W. E. Black, Milt Ewing and Dr. N. M. Smith. Dr. Smith withdrew in
November of the same year. On Jan. 1, 1875, S. L. Harvey, then of Tren-
ton, purchased the paper and became proprietor, but remained only a few
months. He then sold out to Lewis Lamkin. Mr. Harvey later edited
papers in Trenton, Centerville, Iowa, and Neosho.
Mr. Lamkin remained editor of the Democrat for several years. He
was one of the best known editors in Missouri. He died at Lee's Summitt
in 1907. He assisted in establishing the first paper in Kansas City, moving
the press from Independence.
Wesley L. Robertson purchased the Democrat in 1889, and continued as
editor until 1894, when J. F. Jordin took charge. Mr. Jordin owned the
paper only three years, at the end of which time it became the property of
Gus Leftwich. After a few months, in March, 1898, he again became editor
with Robert J. Ball as his partner. They continued to publish the paper
until the death of Mr. Robertson in December, 1919. A few months later,
Mr. Ball purchased his partner's interest, and is assisted in the publication
of the paper by R. L. Etter, Jr.
The Daviess County Republican, a short-lived paper, was published in
Gallatin. The last issue was in February, 1902. In the Gallatin Democrat
of the following week, C. M. C. Showalter, the editor, made the following
statement: "Not having been notified that last week's Daviess County
Republican would be my last issue before the paper was out, I did not make
my bow to the patrons of the paper as I should have, which I very much
regret. I have no apologies to make ; I have done my best under the unfav-
orable circumstances that I have contended with." H. L. Eads, W. T.
Paugh and others owned the plant.
The New Era was started in December, 1880, by E. A. Martin, now of
the Pattonsburg Call. After nine months, the paper was suspended.
The next newspaper met with somewhat better success. The Winston
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 165
Independent was founded in 1883 by Harvey L. Cross and was continued
until about 1887. Mr. Cross is now editor of the Bentonville (Ark.) Sun.
The Winston Star, edited by H. J. Mollis, was established May 3, 1888,
and published by him until July 1, 1901, when the plant was sold to James
H. Wise.
Mr. Wise then changed the name to the Winston Sentinel, with H. L.
Johnson as its editor. On July 21, 1902, Dudley A. Reid became editor and
proprietor and continued its publication until May 16, 1903. At that time
the plant was purchased by T. H. Black. On April 8, 1909, the paper be-
came the property of Williams & Black until Sept. 7, of the same year. It
was then taken over by Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Black. Virgil H. Black became
the owner on July 21, 1910, and continued as editor until Sept. 7, 1916.
The plant was purchased by Benton B. Smith, and published by him until
the editor was inducted into military service. Until his return from the
army in June, 1919, the paper was edited by the present editor, Howard J.
Hollis. Immediately after his return, Mr. Smith sold the paper to C. A.
Smith. Mr. Hollis continued as editor and business manager. Mr. C. A.
Smith died on Dec. 7, 1918, and on Nov. 1, 1919, Mr. Hollis purchased the
entire equipment and goodwill of the Sentinal, and is still its owner and
editor.
About 1891, the Winston Mirror was founded by W. W. Arnold. With-
in the next two years the paper became the property of Edward A. Truitt.
It suspended about 1894.
The Coffeyburg Life was established in 1897 by I. J. Vogelgesang. It
was published for only a short time. The next paper was the Sun, owned
and edited by Allen F. Wade, present editor of the Jameson Gem. It was
established in 1899 and published until about 1901. A paper was also es-
tablished by Rupe & Son, known as the Headlight, which was short-lived.
In April, 1904, Ben Sailor, who had been editing the Altamont Index,
moved the Index plant to Coffey, and the first issue of the Enterprise ap-
peared in May of that year. Mr. Sailor was succeeded a few years later
by W. F. Rice. A short time later Thomas Cunningham became editor.
W. T. Pugh became the owner in 1910 or 1911.
The first editor of the Lock Springs Herald was T. E. Piatt, who start-
ed the paper about 1900. It was independenet in politics. He sold his in-
terest to J. B. Ferguson in 1907 or 1908, who continued to edit the paper
until his death in May, 1917. Charles R. Clark then took charge of the
paper, but in May, 1918, he sold it to Charles E. Cook. In July, 1918, the
writer of the Lock Spi'ings items in the Gallatin Democrat complains that
the "Lock Springs Herald closed its doors some two months ago and quit
business. We suppose the owner went to seek greener fields."
166 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Lock Springs was then without a newspaper until a few months ago,
when the Era was established.
The Jameson Reporter was established in 1884. On Jan. 1, 1885, M.
F. Stripes took charge, but nine months later gave it up, having purchased
the Jamesport Gazette which he published for so many years.
In 1891, E. A. Martin, editor of the Pattonsburg Call, began the pub-
lication of the Larconic, which was printed in the Call office. This paper
continued quite successfully until 1897, when the Call office burned. There
was no insurance on the plant. The Larconic was then discontinued.
For a short time Jameson was without a newspaper. In 1899 or 1900
the Journal was established by C. C. Bartruff. This paper was continued
until 1903. It was independent in politics.
Allen F. Wade became the next Jameson editor. The Gem was estab-
lished about 1913. It was an independent weekly.
The first newspaper was established in Altamont in 1894 or 1895, under
the name of the Index. Joe H. Hess was its editor in 1899-1900, and he
was succeeded by George W. Crenshaw. In 1902 Ben F. Sailor bought the
paper. Two years later, in April, 1904, it suspended publication and Mr.
Sailor moved the plant to Coffey. About a month later the Index reap-
peared, edited by Al Snow. Its next editor was D. M. Fisher. The paper
was discontinued.
The Live Wire was a short-lived publication. It was established about
the same time as the Index.
The Altamont Times was started by Leo Sharp in 1908. Some two
years later Barrett & Clark became its editors. They were succeeded by
George G. Tedrick, the present owner. The paper had always been listed
as independent in politics until the last few years when it has carried the
Republican label.
Jamesport has had a number of newspapers, but its first one, the
Gazette, has outlived all of them, and is today the only paper in the town.
The first number of the Gazette was issued March 8, 1877. Its editors
were M. 0. Cloudas and Joe Wright, son of Elder D. T. Wright, editor of
the Christian Pioneer. This number announced that the paper would be
issued "every Thursday from the corner of Main and East Streets, James-
port, Missouri. Our politics and religion — got none. Our rates are the
same to everybody, $1.50 per year in advance." On Sept. 1, 1886, M. F.
Stipes became the editor of the paper. For some time it was published
semi-weekly. The paper was alternately Democratic and independent in
its politics, being listed in the 1889-1890 and 1891-1892 state manuals as an
independent paper, while from 1893 to 1904 it was classed as Democratic,
and after that it was again ranked as independent. Mr. Stipes was a his-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 167
torian of considerable ability, being the author of "Gleanings in Missouri
History," and various historical articles. Mr. Stipes disposed of the news-
paper about 1913, and died in Jamesport, Oct. 14, 1916.
Upon the retirement of Mr. Stipes, Thomas R. Shaw, Jr., became the
editor. He continued it as an independent sheet and changed it to a weekly
paper. In January, 1918, the paper was sold to a Mr. Ryal. Albert F. Hulen
is the present owner and editor. Since about 1900 the Gazette has had no
rival in the town.
The Gallatin Democrat of March 17, 1883, contains the following item:
"The Jamesport Observer has suspended. Our young friend, Sam Buzzard,
has too good a financial head to waste money on so precarious an enter-
prise." Just when this paper was started has not been ascertained, but it
evidently was short lived.
The Jamesport Herald was established about 1889. Robert M. Harrah
was editor of the paper until 1893 or 1894, when he became editor of the
Gallatin North Missourian. The paper was not affiliated with an political
party, but since its editor later became the editor of the Republican North
Missourian, it is probable that he had strong tendencies toward that party.
In 1899 or 1900, Ed A. Sproul started an independent paper known as
the Jamesport Natural Gas. It was published only a short time. The
editor went west and has since been connected with various papers.
The first paper published in Pattonsburg was the Call, the first issue of
which appeared in September, 1881. Since its establishment, the paper
has been edited by Eugene A. Martin. Mr. Martin is a native of Iowa,
but the family removed to Hamilton, Mo., while he was still a small boy.
Here he learned the printer's trade and worked at Brookfield, Laclede.
Kingston, and Linneus, and assisted in establishing the Hamiltonian. In
December, 1880, he came to Daviess County and founded the Winston New
Era. The paper was published only nine months. He then established
the Call. During 1889 and 1890 the paper was semi-weekly and again in
1911 it was published twice a week. It is independent in its political policy.
Mr. Martin also published for a time the Jameson Larconic. No other
editor has seen so many years of service in the county.
Missouri Veteran was established at Pattonsburg in 1884 by Col. W.
B. Watts, a veteran printer. After about a year he disposed of the paper
to Charles E. Hill, a real estate man. A short time afterwards the paper
was suspended.
Dr. William Neil established the Star in the early nineties. About
1895, Charles P. Warner took over the paper and changed its name to the
Star-Press. He soon gave it up, and W. S. Daniels became its editor. About
1898, Mr. Daniels disposed of thfe paper to E. A. McCollom. It was sus-
168 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
pended about 1900. Under Mr. Daniels the paper was listed as Republican
in politics, but under Mr. McCollum as Democratic.
During the summer and fall of 1894, a paper was edited by Anthony
Dahl.
At one time Pattonsburg had three newspapers, the Call (independent)
the Star-Press (Democratic,) and the Life (Republican.) This latter paper
was edited a short time by W. T. Paugh, who about 1898, moved the plant
of the Coffey Life to Pattonsburg. The paper was published for a year or
two and the plant was again moved to Coffey. In 1901, it was purchased by
John Adams, a school teacher, who again brought it to Pattonsburg, where
he established the Courier. Joe Wi'ight was also connected with the paper.
It lasted only a short time, not long enough to be listed in the state man-
uals. The plant finally landed in Gallatin where it became the Daviess
County Republican, which had a brief and troubled existence.
Still later a man from Camden Point started a paper which lasted only
a few months. This was the Call's last competitor, and from the length of
time it was published, it did not cause much competition.
CHAPTER XIV.
A CHAPTER OF "FIRSTS."
Jacob Stollings kept the first boarding house in Gallatin.
Daviess County first inhabited by the white man in 1830.
First cabin built in the county by John Splawn and his son, Mayberry
Splawn, in January, 1830.
First house built on the site of Millport by Robert P. Peniston and his
son, Wm. P. Peniston, in 1831.
First crop planted on the prairie land of the county by William Prewett
in 1834.
First county court held near present site of Gallatin at the home of
Philip Covington, in Feb. 17, 1837.
First election called for April 29, 1837, to elect two justices of the
peace and one constable for each township. None held in Honey Creek
and Grand River Townships, and another called for May 29, 1837.
First grocer's license granted to John A. Williams, April 2, 1837.
Ferry license across Grand River granted Jacob S. Rogers in Nov.
1837.
First term of court held at Gallatin, Sept. 3, 1838.
First court of appeal for Daviess County, called at Gallatin, Aug. 4,
1839.
First census taken by Wm. P. Peniston and allowed $60 for same in
1840.
William H. Harrison, first free person of color found asking for a li-
cense to reside in the state. Granted license "so long as he is of good be-
havior." 1845.
First record of the action of a coroner. Jacob Stollings presented a
bill to county court for holding an inquest, February, 1847.
One hundred dollars allowed to pay surveyors in Daviess County for
the survey of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad. First railway business
transacted by the court in the county, 1851.
First telegraph line over the Chicago & Southwestern Railway route
reached Gallatin at 12 m. Thursday, Aug. 17, 1871. A message was sent
to Chicago and an answer received that afternoon.
170 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
First rail laid within the county on the St. Louis, Chillicothe & Omaha
line, April 5, 1871.
First excursion to celebrate the opening of the Chicago & Southwest-
ern arrival, Sept. 26, 1871.
First term of circuit court held in the county, Austin A. King, judge,
July 18, 1837, at the home of Elisha B. Creekmore.
First power of attorney recorded, Oct. 3, 1838.
First bridge built in the county by Adam Black across Muddy Creek
on road from Diamon to Chillicothe, 1841.
First iron bridge contracted for, 1877.
First postofRce in Daviess County located at Millsport, 1835, moved to
Gallatin in 1837.
First daily mails received at Gallatin, from Hamilton to Gallatin, April
1, 1870.
First daily mail train on Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad com-
menced Feb. 1, 1873.
First appraisement on record, 1837.
James Miller commissioned first justice of the peace, Jan. 5, 1839.
The fii'st deaths in the county were the two children of Stephen Rob-
erts. Both died on the same day, in March, 1830.
Elizabeth Tarwater, daughter of John and Ruth Tarwater, was the
first child born in Daviess County. The date of her birth was Jan. 8, 1832.
The first sermon was preached by James McMahon, a Methodist min-
ister, under a tree near the place where Millport was later located, on April
25, 1830. The second preacher in the county was William Michaels of the
Baptist church.
Dr. William P. Thompson was the first physician. He settled just
over the line in Grundy County in 1833.
The first mill was owned by Robert P. Peniston. The work of putting
it up was done by Milford Donaho and "Jake," a slave owned by Mr. Pen-
iston.
The first cattle brand on record was filed May 8, 1837, by Robert P.
Peniston, and his mark was "crop and hole in the right ear, swallow fork in
the left ear." Among those who registered marks in 1838 were Evan and
William Morgan, Vincent Smith, Thomas Edwards, Sarah Williams, Adam
Black, John W. Freeman, Benedict Weldon, Elijah Foley, Silas Best, Will-
iam Nation, Andrew McHaney and Nathan Price.
The first slave in the county was "Jake," owned by Robert P. Peniston.
Mrs. Nancy Peniston wove the first cloth.
The first recorded literary attempt by a Daviess County women was a
poem by Minnie Hammer.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 171
The first court house was completed in 1843.
The first buggy ever used in the county was built by Thomas Clingan
in 1838.
The first cooking stove in the county was owned by a hotel in Pattons-
burg. Elijah Hubbard was the first to own one for family use. Mrs.
Lydia Smith Youtsey, in a letter to the Gallatin Democrat, on her 59th
wedding anniversary, said, "My father sent my brother to St. Joseph to
get a cooking stove. It was the first one brought into the neighborhood
and most all our neighbors came to see us cook on it. Now we have more
stoves than vituals."
The following is a portion of a letter written by Nathan Shriver in
1915 : "I was a member of the first brass band that Gallatin had. It was
organized in 1857 or 1858. We played at county fairs and on other noted
occasions up to 1861. Then the war burst it all up to pieces. Some of the
members went north, some south and some stayed at home. Some of your
now honorable townsmen were members of that band, D. Harfield Davis,
William Sheets. Others were Dr. Charles Hogan, William Osborn, Robert
Owens, Capt. John Sheets and Elwood Lewis."
First mercantile licenses issued in the county in 1837 were as follows:
April 7, John A. Williams, grocer, $5; April 8, John Wright, merchandise,
$15; May 8, Thos. W. Jacobs, merchandise, $15; May 8, Jesse Adamson,
grocer, $5; June 25, Worthington & McKinney, merchandise, $15; James
Hunter, ferry on Grand River, $2.50.
First case in the circuit court was John Ragland vs. Jacob B. and Will-
iam Oxford, appeal. An entry of nonsuit was made.
First houses on the present site of Jamesport were two Mormon cabins,
one of which was just south of the old M. E. church, the other was near the
I. 0. 0. F. cemetery.
The first store in Jamesport was opened about 1855 by John and Isaac
Faulkner, just north of the George B. Callison home.
January 13, 1838, is the date of the first deed on record. It was given
by Francis C. Case and Mary, his wife, to Elisha Groves, and vonveyed land
in Section 13, Township 58, Range 28.
Theodore Penniston, George W. Poag and G. W. Keene were the first
attorneys admitted to the bar in the county. They were admitted in March
1855.
The first application for a dramshop to be refused was on Nov. 1, 1860.
The first newspaper printed in the county was the "Missouri Sun,"
established at Gallatin in 1853, published by Stearns and McKean.
So far as can be learned the first school in the county was in Benton
Township in the spring of 1837, with H. W. Enyhart as teacher. The term
172 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
was three months and tuition was $2.00 a pupil, which might be paid in
produce.
Early marriages: Enoch Riggs-Ann Littlefield, May, 1838, by Elisha
H. Groves; Jonatha Hall-Matilda Roberts, February 13, 1838, by H. W.
Enyhart, J. P.; Benjamin Crandle-Rebecca Simmons, April 29, 1838, by
Lyman Wight ; Josiah Summer-Betsey Ireland, June 13, 1838, by Nathan
West; John McCrary-Lucinda Splawn, March 26, 1838, by James McMahon;
Robert Jobe-Margaret Splawn, March 26, 1838, by James McMahon ; Robert
Jobe-Margaret Adkins, Feb. 11, 1838, by Christopher Nations; Andrew I.
Williams-Rachel Heckman, Feb. 22, 1838, by James Miller, J. P. ; Samuel H.
0. Urvin-Specy L. G. Dunk, June 7, 1838, by Harvey Green; Benjamin I.
Grubb-Eliza Ann Liggett, March 15, 1838, by James McMahon.
Elisha Trosper-Margaret Trosper, Nov. 17, 1837, by Elijah Foley, J. P.
II
CHAPTER XV.
OFFICIALS.
UNITED STATES OFFICIALS— STATE OFFICIALS— DAVIESS COUNTY REPRSBNTA-
TIVES— COUNTY TREASURERS— PROBATE JUDGES— COURT OF COMMON PLEAS-
RECORDERS — SHERIFFS — PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS — CIRCUIT CLERKS-
COUNTY CLERKS— COUNTY JUDGES.
United States Officials. — While Daviess County has not furnished Mis-
souri with a Senator, two United States Senators from other states have
been prior to their election, residents of the county — James Thompson Far-
ley, Senator from California, 1879-1885, and Chester I. Long, from Kansas,
1903 to 1909. Two Daviess Countians have been members of the House
of Representatives, Alexander M. Dockery and Joshua W. Alexander, both
of Gallatin. Mr. Dockery was elected in 1882, and served for 16 years. Mr.
Alexander was elected in 1906 and served until his resignation in December,
1919.
The same two men mentioned above have held other high positions in
the Federal government. A. M. Dockery served as Assistant Postmaster
General during the Wilson administration. On Dec. 3, 1919, Mr. Alexander
was appointed Secretary of Commerce by President Wilson, and served un-
til the close of Mr. Wilson's term of office. During the McKinley adminis-
tration Webster Davis, former Gallatin resident, and at one time mayor of
Kansas City, was Assistant Secretary of the Interior.
State Officials. — One governor of the state has come from Daviess
County, Alexander M. Dockery being elected in 1900, for a term of four
years. The county had delegates in the 1861-1865 conventions. In the
1846 convention, delegates from other counties in the district were chosen.
Judge James McFerran of Gallatin, was one of the delegates to the
convention elected in 1861, which was elected to determine the relations
between Missouri and the Union. He was a Union man and later a Colonel
of the First M. S. Cavalry. Judge McFerran had sei'ved as representative
and State Senator and as Circuit Judge. He organized the first bank in
the county. He later moved to Chillicothe and in 1873 to Colorado Springs,
174 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
where he was engaged in the banking business, and was among the capital-
ists who developed the Cripple Creek gold mines.
Dr. William H. Folmsbee was a delegate to the constitutional conven-
tion of 1865. He located in Gallatin in 1859. He served during a part of
the Civil War as captain of Company D, First Cavalry Regiment, M. S. M.,
resigning in 1862, when he was elected to the legislature. For many years
he was a leader in the Republican party in the county and in the state.
None of the delegates to the 1875 convention were from Daviess
County, although one of them, J. A. Holliday, subsequently lived in Gallatin
for a short time.
In the election of delegates to the constitutional convention now in
session, J. W. Alexander, one of the delegates-at-large, received a larger
number of votes than any other candidate. The vote for Judge Alexander
was 77,177, or more than 2,000 more than the next highest candidate,
Stephen B. Hunter, of Cape Girardeau, who received 74,720 votes.
Major Joseph H. McGee was Register of Lands during the administra-
tion of Joseph McClurg, being elected in 1868. Major McGee was also
United States Marshal for the western district, besides holding various
county offices. He was a staunch Union man.
Joseph A. Wickham, of Gallatin, was an Adjutant General of Missouri
longer than any other holder of that office. He had served in Company C,
68th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, during the Civil War. He was mayor of
Gallatin for two terms, and city treasurer for five years. In 1889, Gover-
nor Francis appointed his Adjutant General and Governor Stone reappoint-
ed him. He resigned in 1897, and soon afterwards removed to Kennett,
Mo., where he died in 1911.
Ed E. Yates of Kansas City, but a native of Daviess County, was ap-
pointed superintendent of insurance by Governor Dockery in June, 1902.
He resigned in the latter part of the year, and his brother, Robert G. Yates,
was appointed as his successor. This office the latter held until October
1905.
There have been only three state senators from Daviess County. James
McFerran was elected in 1858, but resigned the following year. David L.
Kost was senator for two years, being elected to fill a vacancy caused by
the death of Joseph Truex. He served in the 33rd General Assembly. Mr.
Kost was one of the founders of the North Missourian, and Superintendent
of Registration and member of the Missouri House of Representatives in
1871. Henry L. Eads, a lawyer of Pattonsburg, was elected to the senate
in 1906. He had served as postmaster at Pattonsburg.
James McFerran became circuit judge in 1859 and held the office until
1864. Upon the formation of the 28th judicial circuit in 1872, Samuel A.'
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
175
Rihardson was elected judge. He made the race as a non-partisan. He was
re-elected to the same position in 1874 and served until 1881. J. W. Alex-
ander was appointed judge by Governor Stephens in January, 1901, and
served until his election to Congress in the fall of 1906.
Following is a list of Daviess County representatives in the state legis-
lature :
35th G. A.,
36th G. A.,
37th G. A.,
38th G. A.,
39th G. A.,
10th G. A., 1838— John D. Williams.
11th G. A., 1840— Benedict Weldon.
12th G. A., 1842— John A. Williams.
13th G. A., 1844 — Benjamin Salmon.
14th G. A., 1846— Wiley Pool.
15th G. A., 1848— George W. Poage.
16th G. A., 1850— John D. Williams.
17th G. A., 1852— John J. Ford.
18th G. A., 1854— John D. Williams.
19th G. A., 1856— James McFerran.
20th G. A., 1858— Thomas McGauh.
21st G. A., 1860— Robert C. Williams.42nd G. A., 1903
22nd G. A., 1862— W. H. Folmsbee. 43rd G. A., 1905-
23rd G. A., 1864— Thomas Sims.
24th G. A., 1867— J. A. Brown.
25th G. A., 1869— James L. Powell.
26th G. A., 1871— David L. Kost.
27th G. A., 1873— Ebenezer West.
28th G. A., 1875
29th G. A., 1877
31st G. A., 1881— Andrew L. Buzzard.
32nd G. A., 1883— J. W. Alexander.
33rd G. A., 1885— J. W. Alexander.
34th G. A., 1887— J. W. Alexander.
1889— William Hickman .
1891— William Hickman.
1893— William E. Black.
1895— P. R. DeFord.
1897— Joseph Wood.
40th G. A,. 1899— Wm. D. Hamilton.
41st G. A., 1901— Wm. D. Hamilton.
•J. L. Davisson.
W. E. Land.
44th G. A., 1907— S. W. Brandon.
45th G. A., 1909— Horace L. Johnson.
46th G. A., 1911— Floyd S. Tuggle.
47th G. A., 1913— Floyd S. Tuggle.
48th G. A., 1915— Floyd S. Tuggle.
William B. Smith. 49th G. A., 1917— Floyd S. Tuggle.
E. Wiley Payne. 50th G. A., 1919— Fred L. Dunlap.
30th G. A., 1879— Elijah Hubbard.
51st G. A., 1921— Fred L. Di
County
Treasurers.
1837-
-John A. Williams.
1880— Lewis P. DeHart.
1838-
-Elisha B. Creekmore.
1882— W. M. Givens.
1839-
-Adam Clendenen.
1884— W. M. Givens.
1856-
-Robert F. Owings.
1886— N. B. Brown.
1860-
-John Ballinger.
1888— N. B. Brown.
1862-
-David H. Davis.
1890— Gabriel Feurt.
1864-
-Owen H. McGee.
1892— George W. Henderson,
1868-
-Thomas J. Flint.
— A. M. Irving.
1870-
-Hadley Brown.
1894— M. G. Netherton.
1872-
-Hadley Brown.
1896— Howard Poage.
1874-
-A. F. Barnett.
1898— Howard Poage.
1876-
-A. F. Barnett.
1900— Maro Thomas.
1878-
-Lewis P. DeHart.
1902— Maro Thomas.
176
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
1904— C. H. Weldon.
1906— C. H. Weldon.
1908— W. D. McDonald.
1912— W. D. McDonald.
1916 — Moses Mann.
1920— Lee R. Pierce.
Probate Judges.
1892 — Frank Ewing.
1894— J. T. Day.
* * 1896— J. T. Day.
1898— Thomas R. Shaw.
1900— Thomas R. Shaw.
1902— Thomas R. Shaw.
1904— Thomas R. Shaw.
1906— P. P. Doak.
1910— P. P. Doak.
1914— J. M. McClaskey.
1918— Oliver 0. Mettle.
1855— Robert Wilson.
1856 — Gabriel M. Keene.
******
1872 — Henry C. McDougal.
1876 — Thomas E. Shaw
j'3^,.i_Thoma? P. Shaw.
1880— Thomas R. Shaw.
188-.:: — Frank Ewing.
1884— Frank Ewing.
1886 — Frank Ewing.
1888— Frank Ewing.
1890— Frank Ewing.
Judges Court of Common Pleas.
1866— Joseph H. McGee. 1868— R. L. Dodge.
1838— Robert Wilson.
1844— Wm. P. Peniston.
1850— Thomas T. Frame.
1856— John W. Sheets.
1862— S. P. Cox.
1865— R. H. Grantham.
1870— J. H. Frost.
1874— Wm. S. Abell.
1878— Wm. S. Abell.
1882— S. D. Stephens.
1837 — William Bowman.
1838— Willam Morgan.
1840— William P. Peniston.
1839— John Pinkerton.
1844 — Meriwether T. Green.
1848— John W. Sheets.
1852— Thomas S. McGaugh.
1856 — Charles A. Cravens.
1858 — James J. Minor.
Recorders.
1886-
1890-
1894-
1898-
1902-
1906-
1910-
1914-
1918-
-S. D. Stephens.
-H. A. Pilcher.
-0. B. Price.
-F. E. Clingan.
-A. R. Maffitt.
-W. E. Wampler.
-D. M. Cashman.
-T. L. Cashman.
-D. O. Richardson.
-R. E. Stapleton.
Sheriffs.
1862 — Andrew Shriver.
1866 — John Ballinger.
1868— William F. Flint.
1870— Thomas J. Flint.
1872 — James T. Dunn.
1874— James T. Dunn.
1876— A. L. Martin.
1878— A. L. Martin.
1880— George T. Crozier.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
177
1882— George T. Crozier.
1884— James H. Witt.
1888— Gabe W. Cox.
1890— 0. P. Walters.
1892— E. S. Lankford.
1896— William A. Johnson.
1898— William A. Johnson.
1900— R. D. McCray.
1902— R. D. McCray.
1904— William T. Hutchinson.
1906— William T. Hutchinson.
1908— J. A. Blair.
1912— Sam R. Surface.
1916— J. A. Blair.
1920— J. Frank Gildow.
Prosecuting Attorneys.
1855— James H. McFerran.
1859 — Samuel A. Richardson.
1866 — John Conover.
1868— William C. Gillihan.
1872— William C. Gillihan.
1874— William M. Rush.
1876— William M. Rush.
1878— J. F. Hicklin.
1880— J. F. Hicklin.
1882— William D. Hamilton.
1884— William D. Hamilton.
1886— Gus A. Chapman.
1888— Gus A. Chapman.
1890— J. A. Selby.
1892— William C. Gillihan.
1837— James B. Turner.
1838— Robert Wilson.
1844— Thomas T. Frame.
1856— Joseph H. McGee.
1856— John W. Sheets.
1862— Samuel P. Cox.
1864— Robert H. Grantham.
1870— A. M. Sweaney.
1874— A. F. McFarland.
1878— A. F. McFarland.
1882— A. F. McFarland.
1894— R. J. Britton.
1896 — John C. Leopard.
1898— John C. Leopard.
1900— Harry K. Allen.
1902— John C. Leopard.
1904— Thomas H. Hicklin.
1906— Thomas H. Hicklin.
1908— Fred Fair.
1910— George B. Padget.
1912— George B. Padget.
1914— Thomas H. Hicklin.
1916— Lewis B. Gillihan.
1918— Lewis B. Gillihan.
1920— M. E. Pangburn.
Circuit Clerks.
1886— W. H. McClung.
1890— W. H. McClung.
1894 — James N. Netherton.
1898—1. J. Vogelgesang.
1902—1. J. Vogelgesang.
1906— A. B. Evans.
1910— A. B. Evans.
1914— W. C. Tague.
1918— H. C. Scott; resigned 1921.
1921— William Scott; appointed for
unexpired term of H. C. Scott.
County Clerks.
1837— James B. Turner, March 15. 1856— Joseph H. McGee, Aug. 4.
1838— Robert Wilson, Aug. 2nd. 1868— William M. Bostaph.
1844— Thomas T. Frame. 1874— John P. Smith.
178 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
1876— John P. Smith. 1898— R. G. Yates.
1878— Pines R. Dunn. 1902— N. R. Barnett.
1880— Pines R. Dunn. 1906— H. F. Lawrence.
1882— J. W. Miller. 1910— S. L. McClure.
1886— Silas C. Rowland. 1914 — Bert H. Tarwater.
1890— E. H. Tillery. 1918— Harley J. Harrah.
1894—0. P. Walter.
County Judges.
1837 — John W. Freeman, presiding justice ; Vincent T. Smith, William Mor-
gan, (succeeded by Josiah Morin.)
1838 — Meriwether T. Green, presiding justice; James H. Wilson; Adam
Black.
1842 — John Cravens, presiding justice; Wiley Pool; Wm. M. Livcy.
1844 — John Cravens, presiding justice, Thomas Greenwood, Nathaniel Mar-
tin.
1846 — John A. Tuggle, presiding justice; Robert Wilson; Tobias Miller,
(succeeded by M. T. Green.)
1850 — John Cravens, presiding justice, (succeeded by John A. Williams;)
Hadley Brown, John P. Lotz.
1852 — Hadley Brown, presiding justice; John Gillilan ; John P. Lotz.
1854 — John D. Coulson, presiding justice, David Henderson; John Hill.
1858 — David Henderson, presiding justice; Bailey H. Coffey; Peter Bear.
1860 — David Henderson, presiding justice; John D. Coulson, Bailey H.
Coffey.
1862 — David Henderson, presiding justice; John D. Coulson, Bailey H.
Coffey.
1864 — Bailey H. Coffey, presiding justice; John D. Coulson, Peter Bear.
1866 — Bailey H. Coffey, presiding justice; Peter Bear, Wm. Bristow.
1868 — Peter Bear, presiding justice; William Bristow, G. M. Keene.
1870 — M. Morris, presiding justice, G. M. Keen, Gabriel Feurt.
1872 — Gabriel Feurt, chairman ; Nathan E. Reed, Nathan Nichols, William
Earl, John Haver, Benjamin G. Kimball, Robert C. Williams, William
Smith, John D. Coulson, William Prewitt, Wesley Lee, S. R. Gurney,
George E. Barkdoll, John A. Tuggle, Thomas W. Reed.
1873 — B. H. Coffey, chairman ; William Adams, Nathan Nichols, Henry
Ramey, J. E. Grantham, B. G. Kimball, R. C. Williams, William
Smith, B. F. Stout, William Prewitt, Wesley Lee. S. R. Gurney,
George E. Barkdoll, John A. Tuggle, Thomas B. Tuggle, Gabriel
Feurt, Moses Brown, Sr., four years, B. B. Perry, two years.
1874 — George W. Henderson.
1875— A. E. Woodruff.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 179
1876 — Gabriel Feurt, presiding justice; Moses Brown, Sr., Joh A. Tuggle,
Aaron E. Woodruff, George W. Henderson.
lB77 — Gabriel Feurt, presiding justice; John A. Tuggle, A. M. Ii'ving,
Moses Brown, Sr., Aaron E. Woodruff.
1879 — John A. Tuggle, presiding justice; John S. Graham, Gabriel L. Ball-
inger.
1880 — John A. Tuggle, presiding justice; John D. Coulson, Henry F. Wynn.
1882 — R. C. Williams, presiding judge; Jacob M. Poage; William P. Heyser.
1884 — R. C. Williams, presiding judge; Jacob M. Poage, William P. Heyser.
1886 — R. C. Williams, presiding judge; J. E. Grantham, William P. Heyesr.
1888— R. C. Williams, presiding judge; John H. Heath; Gerofie W.
Cauthorn.
1890 — John A. Dunn, presiding judge; William R. Cole; Jason Winburn.
1892 — John A. Dunn, presiding judge; William R. Cole; Jason Winburn.
1894— J. H. Carter, presiding judge; J. H. Heath ; T. B. Crowder.
1896 — J. H. Carter, presiding judge; Philip Shaw; T. B. Crowder.
1898— T. B. Crowder, presiding judge; G. N. Gromer, W. E. Blackburn.
1900 — T. B. Crowder, presiding judge; L. M. Best; Henry J. Lynch.
1902 — N. B. Brown, presiding judge; L. M. Best; Daniel Blackburn.
1904 — R. McGahey, presiding judge; W. J. Gromer, Daniel Blackburn.
1906 — G. A. McWilliams, presiding judge; W. J. Gromer; James P. Tar-
water.
1908 — G. A. McWilliams, presiding judge; W. J. Gromer, Wm. E. Naylor.
1910 — John W. Thompson, presiding judge; A. I. Pratt, E. S. Lankford.
1912 — John W. Thompson, presiding judge; Frank P. Keplar, E. S. Lank-
ford.
1914 — John W. Thompson, presiding judge; Frank P. Keplar, E. S. Lank-
ford.
1916 — John W. Thompson, presiding judge; R. A. Daniels, M. N. Knight.
1920 — Daniel Blackburn, presiding judge; (resigned, and R. 0. Strong
appointed to fill vacancy ;) R. A. Daniels, N. R. Barnett.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE WORLD WAR.
EARL.EY ENTRANTS FROM DAVIESS COUNTY— FIRST REGISTRATION— DRAWING
UNDER THE SELECTIVE DRAFT— EXEMPTION BOARD— FIRST GROUP OF MEN
CHOSEN— LEAVING FOR CAMP— KILLED IN ACTION— DIED OF DISEASE—
WOUNDED— DAVIESS COUNTY SOLDIERS— RETURN OF SOLDIERS— AUXILIARY
WAR WORK— LIBERTY LOANS— UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN— THRIFT STAMP
CAMPAIGN— COUNCIL OF DEFENSE.
One Daviess Countian, Paul, Gillihan, was a member of the first con-
tingent sent overseas in the World War. He had been in the Regular
Army for several years. Others from the county in the Regular Army fol-
lowed shortly thereafter.
R. L. Etter, Jr., L. T. Killam, Fred McFarland and Charles A. Shaw,
attended the first officers training camp. As soon as war was declared
a number of young men enlisted.
June 5th, was the day set aside for the registration of all men between
the age of 21 and 30, made necessary by the National Universal Service
Act. Complete registration returns showed 1288 men of military age in
the county. Of this number 451 did not claim exemption, while 837 gave
some reason for being excused. 14 colored men and two aliens registered.
The following account is given by the Gallatin Democrat of the draw-
ing of the first ten Daviess County men :
"The first number was drawn by Secretary of War Baker at 9:30
o'clock a. m., and proved to be 258. This is the number of Leonard E. Pat-
terson, who lives on Route 5, east of Gallatin, and to him is the honor of
being the first Daviess County young man to be called to the service of his
country. The second number, 458, also calls another Gallatin man, W. H.
McGee, the popular Wabash agent. The third, 854, is held by a Jameson
young man, Otto McCartney, and the fourth, 1095, is the number of George
Reed Netherton, of Coffey. Another Jameson boy, Henry D. French, is
the fifth, with 783, and Pattonsburg scored sixth with No. 1117, held by
William P. Tunnell. Jameson also got seventh, with No. 837, held by Ira
C. Robinson, and Gallatin scored again with number 337, held by James
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 181
Henry Ramsbottom. Jamesport's first numbers were 676, held by Earl
Goodbar, and 275, held by Sherman Wright Blakely.
On August 8th, the exemption board, consisting of Dr. L. R. Doolin,
County Clerk, Bert H. Tarwater, and Sheriff, J. A. Blair, began the work
of passing on the eligibility of those subject to the draft.
The first group of men chosen and called into the service from Daviess
County were: Leonard Patterson, Ira C. Robinson, William P. Tunnell,
James H. Ramsbottom, Ashford Bowman, Marshall L. Lowery, and Daniel
Lewis Collier. This contingent left Gallatin for the training camp, Sept. 6,
1917. Before their departure, a luncheon was given for them at the Y. M.
C. A. At 2:30 the school children carrying flags assembled and sang pa-
triotic songs. Headed by the local band and accompanied by several Con-
federate and Union soldiers, the school children and a large crowd of citi-
zens, the boys marched to the Rock Island depot where they entrained for
Ft. Riley.
On Sept. 19, 55 Daviess Countians left for camp, and on Oct. 3rd, a
group of 14. From that time on to the close of the war, groups of men in
varying numbers were called and sent to camps throughout the country for
training. As each group left the county for camp some sort of recognition
was given of the fact that they were entering the country's service and that
the citizens appreciated the sacrifices they were making.
A large group of the younger registrants attended various Students
Army Training Camps, located at the state university and certain colleges
in the state.
Following is a list of those in the service whose home was in the
county, or whose parents or guardians resided here. The list was compiled
by the Daviess County Chapter, American Red Cross, and published in the
Gallatin papers, May, 1919:
Killed in Action.
Francis V. Frazier Robert Adkinson
William Seller Ray Noll
Wallace McAfee Charles Shaw
C. H. Roy . Stanley Benard
John Tracy John Whetstone
Died of Disease.
Daniel Collier William Robinson
Alexander Dowell Joseph Linville
Francis McCray Emmitt Downs
Virgil Utz Lloyd Biddle
Wilford Smith Robert C. Holmes
182
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Bert Ayres
Othal Lukehart
Earl Weist
Charles McLaughlin
Frank Stapleton
Roy Stephenson
Charles Graham
Evan Edwards
Homer Venable
Henry Ramsbottom
Lloyd Welson
Leroy Spidle
Sam Graham
Charles Plymell
Ora Butcher
Frank Brown
Eddie Earl Smith
Lee Goodbar
Hobart Brown
DAVIESS
Aid, Harry
Aid, Kenneth
Ayres, Allen
Akes, Elva
Alexander, L.
Andrews, Floyd
Alexander, Walter
Alexander, Preston
Ayres, Bert
Adkinson, Robert
Barnett, Corbin
Ballard, Myrl
Becker, Arthur
Becker, John A.
Blackburn, Forest
Blair, Forest
Blair, Russell
Bruce, William B.
Elmer Oak
George Hudson
Wounded.
Clyde Robinson
Ronald Ginder
Alex Stephenson
John Swafford
Homer Lunnon
Clarence Morris
Kenneth Aid
Freeman M. Buchanan
Robert P. Hoover
Arthur King
Joe H. McCormick
Ernest Mott
William P. Tunnell
James Turner
Edward Vanover
Roger W. Vipond
COUNTY SOLDIERS.
Gallatin.
Beck, H. Boyd
Brosius, W. L.
Butler, Ivale
Butler, Charles
Butler, Alva
Booth, Raymond
Berg, Willie,
Brady, Orville
Black, Estie
Black, Virgil
Biddle, Lloyd
Clark, Kenneth
Cole, Elgin
Chamberlain, Cyrus
Croy, Earl
Cornell, Cravens
Culver, Ernie
Culver, Luther
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
183
Cravens, Chas. Ed.
Cruzen, Richard
Chadwick, George A.
Cooper, Egner
Dunnington, Claud
Day, Frank
Day, Virgil
Dewey, Clarence
Dumm, John H.
Dumm, William
Douglas, Lloyd
Dow, John
Drummond, Ray
Doak, Edgar
Dudley, Boyd, Jr.
Earnshaw, George
Earnshaw, Steel
Earnshaw, Bert
Etter, Robert
Evans, Roy
Edwards, Evan
Davis, Harfield
Farrar, Joe
Ferguson, Julius
Fitterer, Clinghan
Ford, Edrick
Frazier, Francis V.
Foley, Oscar
Gaines, Charles
Gillihan, Paul
Gillihan, Ben
Gillispie, James
Gosnelll, Dan W.
Griffith, Howard
Griffith, Harry
Graham, Charles W.
Graham, Samuel
Graham, Leonard
Graham, Homer
Graham, Lawrence
Gilbert, James
Hockensmith, R.
Harlow, Roy
Hamilton, Ezra
Handy, Glen
Harmon, Lloyd
Hesler, Carl
Hesler, Harry
Hershberger, F.
Harris, Charles
Harris, John
Hamilton, Lewis
Hager, Everett
Harrison, Fred
Hawkins, Harvey
Hughes, Claud
Houghton, Hugh
Jackson, Alva
Irving, Robert
Ingersoll, Hulett
James, Ray
James, Oda
Ketchum, George
Kemp, Jasen
Lukehart, Earl
Lewis, Ben
Knight, Jesse
Koger, Cleo
Lukehart, Othal
Lynch, Artie
Leopard, Dean
Lunnon, Homer
Long, Homer
Lowrie, Joseph
Meade, Dudley
Meade, Feurt
Meade, Homer
Morris, Harley
Morris, Clarence
McGlaughlin, Charles
Murray, Ozier
Mann, Marion
184
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Mann, Harry
McClure, J. C.
McAfee, Wallace
McSparrin, Wallace
McGill, Earl
Mettle, Omer
Merritt, Paul
Moss, Patton
Nichols, Otis
Nichols, Roy
Nichols, James
New, Vernon
Nida, James
Netherton, Earl
O'Toole, Tom
Osborn, Edwin
Page, William C.
Page, Marion
Page, Elvin
Payne, Elias
Poage, Grady
Place, Roscoe
Place, Otis
Pendelton, Dewey
Penniston, J. B.
Patterson, Leonard
Pilcher, Harry
Pilcher, Roy
Pierce, Lloyd
Russel, Elbert
Ramsbottom, H.
Richards, Frank
Richard, William
Rogers, Clarence
Rulon, Woody
Roach, Lewis
Runnels, Cleo
Ramsbottom, J.
Robinson, William
Smith, M. A.
Seiler, William
Stephenson, Roy
Stewart, Carl
Stewart, Henry
Stapleton, Frank
Stapleton, Charles
Smith, Byron
Smith, Earl
Sullivan, John
Shipley, Leo
Smith, Eben
Selby, John
Selby, Seth
Swafford, Homer
Swafford, John
Swafford, R. E.
Sharrah, James
Thompson, Victor
Tolan, Ross
Thomas, James
Tarwater, Thurman
Teel, Claud
Trotter, Roy
Trotter, Mack
Venable, Homer
Vanable, Frank
Vanover, Edward
Vanover, Sam
Vipond, William J.
Vipond, Roger
Welden, Lloyd
Welch, Dean
Whitt, Woody
Whitt, Lando
Wood, Ray
Wynne, Justin
Wynne, Carry
Wulliams, Earl
Wynne, Kenneth
Weist, Earl
Whitt, Charles
Whitt, Jonah
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
185
Whitt, Howard
White, E. H.
Wilson, Wm. Boyd
Walton, Harvey
Williams, Milton
Athy, James Roy
Aimes, Floyd, H.
Brown, Neal
Baker, James A.
Barnett, Fallis
Baker, Albert B.
Brown, Grover
Brown, Colbert
Bond R. E.
Buzard, R. L.
Caldwell, George A.
Caraway, Levi E.
Caraway, Sidney
Coberly, Oscar L.
Coberly, Orville S.
Dowell, Ray
Dowell, Alexander
Drummond, Kerry
Drummond, Glesner
DeVorss, Wm. Earl
Doty, J. E.
Evans, George H.
Evans, Wm. Charles
English, John M.
Fletcher Ernie
Goodbar, Earl
Goodbar, Charles L.
Goodbar, Rolling
Gildow, O. L.
Gildow, John F.
Gott, Loyd
Griffith, Bert
Gillilan, Frank
Foster, Charles
Harding, Orville
Williams, Vernon
Walker, Robert
Yates, Ralph
Yates, Paul
Youtsey, Frank
Jamesport.
Hampton, Homer N.
Hill, Wilbuer
Hill, Leon
Haley, James L.
Havet, Cecil E.
Hill, Joseph Carl
Hill, Thurman, L.
Harrah, Mark
Houston, LeRoy
Harris, Paul W.
Hallem, A. J.
Justus, Harry
Jenkins, A. Lee
Johnson, Walter B.
Kelly, Edward C.
Kingdon, Howard
Kelley, Albert
Lunnon, Homer
Layson, Manly G.
Lawrence, Webster
Langford, Lowell
Langford, Ross
Lockridge, Frank
Lent, Fred
Lumpkin, Harold
Lankford, Thomas
Lankford, Leslie
Lankford, Wilbur
Mann, Gordon
McGahey, Glenn
Markham, Claud H.
McMahan, Fern H.
McClung, R. Earl
McCrary, Robert F.
McAllister, Harry
186
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
McAllister, Arthur
Martin, James R.
Martin, Adger
Miller, Claud
Miller, Harry
Marks, Arthur E.
McCue, Robert
McCollum, N.
McVey, Clarence
Nighswonger, John
Nolle, Ray
Nolle, Earl
Nickell, Gay
Nighswonger, Jesse
Owens, Ray E.
Osborn, Claud N.
Pliley, Wm. L.
King, Albert
Prior, Paul Dewill
Pogue, Grady
Poe, Forest
Ray, James Ivan
Riley, John F.
Richmond, Forest
Roy, C. H.
Robinson, Clyde
Robinson, Harvey
Richardson, Nathan
Reed, Harvey
Reed, Perry
Reed, Rolla
Ruble, Franklin J.
Somerville, George
Sharrah, James B.
Brookshire, R. 0.
Brookshire, H. L.
Boucher, Earl
Blakely, S. W.
Bennett, Enid A.
Burton, Vernie
Stephens, Eddi B.
Shaffer, Gordon L.
Scott, James A.
Scott, James, J.
Smith, Eddie Earl
Songer, Herbert L.
Smith, Lee H.
Stoller, Clifton H.
Shaw, Boyd Scott
Scott, Roy
Shaffer, Gordon
Truitt, James
Thomas, Howard
Thompson, Arthur
Thompson, Earl V.
Ward, John D.
Ward, Vess J.
Whittaker, H. R.
Wynne, Allen F.
Whitley, A. E.
Wilks, Presley H.
Witten, Ralph
Witten, Herbert
Wiles, Ralph J.
Wiles, William A.
Wells, Clarence
Woods, Otis
Wheeler, Harry C.
Winbar, Ivan C.
Ware, Orville R.
Wills, Clarence L.
Ware, Noble O..
Williams, Harry
Lock Springs.
Coberly, Oscar Lee
Coberly, Orville S.
Cox, Lewis L.
Drummond, W. L.
Egbert, Archie Lee
Hise, Earnest L.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
187
Herbert, Charles E.
Harvey, Karl
Huffman, Roy
Jordin, Charles
McCollum, Joe
Minnick, James P.
Minnick, Ben F.
Minnick, Earl R.
Mason, Ray
McCrary, Chester
Bell, Henry
Bell, Orlando
Bell, George
Boyer, Clyde
Brown, Earl
Estes, James
Fleming, Claud
Frazier, Elra
Frazier, Wm. F.
Bristow, Frank
Doll, Earl
Fuller, Earl
Gilbert, James W.
Hosman, Floyd
Johnson, Clarence
Kirchofer, Reo
Kirchofer, George
Lee, Jesse
Linval, Joseph
Morrow, Earl
Barnes, Arthur
Bernard, Donald
Brewer, Emmitt
Boyd, Erskine
Bowman, Millard
Bray, Porr
Bray, Carl
Blankenship, F.
Sloan, O. W.
Smith, Thesler J.
Ranes, Virgil A.
Ragan, Virgil D..
Tague, Vernie
Wilson, Drury
Wilson, Harry
Wade, Clarence C.
Wade, Raymond V.
Wade, A. B.
Civil Bend.
Ginder, Ronald
Ginder, Roger
Huff, Jonathan
Hibbs, Ward
Lee, Victor
Shaw, Charles
Palmer, Macey
Snyder, David L.
Snyder, Charles
Mt. Nebo.
McBrayer, Carl
Newby, James
Newby, Ray
Neel, Charles
Peters, George
Short, Stephen H.
Short, Tinsley
Snow, Carl
Snow, Walter
Williams, Earl
Pattonsburg.
Best, Guy
Becket, Paul
Becket, Maurice
Brannan, Robert
Burns, J. L
Buck, Roscoe
Bernard, Stanley
Burk, Alva
188
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Butcher, Oma
Butcher, Ora
Creekmore, Lloyd
Clevenger, Jerry
Campbell, J. C.
Carter, E. S.
Cruits, Fred D.
Carter, David
Caster, Glen
Dix, Robert
Devers, Claud
Elam, Leslie
Elam, Merlin
Ferguson, J. L.
Ferguson, Joe
Fisher, Delbert
Fitts, Isaac McCord
Francisco, Walter
Graham, Darius G.
Graham, C. B.
Groomer, Louis D.
Groomer, Logan, Jr.
Gambill, Esquire
Gardner, Ezra
Gotchel, Owen
Croetecke, James
Guilkey, Floyd
Hart, Arthur
Heath, William
Heath, John
Hedges, Frank
Huriey, A. R.
Hooper, W. H.
Helms, Frank
Horton, Joseph
Harris, Elmer
Huff, Jonathan
James, Robert
Johnson, Robert
Lowrie, Marshall
Lipps, Orval
Lear, Albert
Lambert, J. C.
Maupin, Curtman
Murphy, Wayne
Morris, Carl
Morris, Floyd
Morris, Robert
Morris, Herman
Morris, Meredith
Mott, Ernest
Meyer, Ashley C.
Markham, Roy
Martin, Clark
Nolle, David
Newman, Harry
Newman, Clyde
Newton, Hue
Persinger, Roscoe
Phillips, Bartley
Phillips, Houston
Price, Lloyd
Price, George
Price, Rupert
Rogers, Elmer
Roberts, M. Henry
Reed, Crafton
Reed, Frank
Rice, Harley
Royston, Cecil
Royston, Jerry
Royston, Albert
Royston, Emil
Royston, Homer
Savage, Edward
Shepherd, James
Smith, Herman
Sadler, Emil
Salmon, George
Sweany, Lee
Stalbert, Frank
Smart, Thomas L.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
189
Taylor, Harve
Thompson, Kenneth
Tunnel, Harve
Tunnel, William
Tunnel, Charles
Trotter, Clarence
Thompson, Marvin
Utz, Virgil
Vanness, Fred
Williams, Sam
Williams, Charles
Bartlett, Carl
Bell, Harvey E.
Bowman, Ashford
Brown, Curtis
Brown, Earl H.
Black, Virgil
Burgert, Alfred
Baldwin, Harry
Crowder, Cleo
Carey, William
Campbell, Dennis
Caster, Cleo
CroU, Frank
Clapper, Ernest
Clapper, Roswell
Dean, Lawrence
Downs, Emmitt E.
Downs, Benjamin
Edwards, Victor F.
Dunlap, John Carl
Dunlap, Rudin
Gould Clem
Gibson, Crval
Hangley, Jay
Hangley, H. S. G.
Haley, James L.
Huffman, Marshall
Hudson, Lester
Hudson, George
Winston.
Weldon, Moss E.
Walker, Ray
Wade,
Webb, C. E.
Wyrick, Lucian
Wyrick, Stephen C.
Warford, John V.
Warford, Lester
Warford, Charles
Webb, Lester
Yost, Earnie
Kelso, Thomas
Loop, John
Loomis, Neil
Lehr, Ashel
Loomis, Wilber
Miles, Bernley
Osborn, Charles T.
Potter, McKinley
Potter, Theron
Potter, Lewis
Parmley, Thomas
Manring, Carl
Manring, Glen
Manring, Earl
Morrison, Harvey
Norton, Elmer
Oaks, Elmer
Steel, Herbert
Steel, Ralph D.
Peters, George R.
Reid, Lloyd
Reid, Clyde
Reid, Con ley
Schuele, Phillip
Schuele, Henry
Smith, James B.
Smith, William W.
Shaw, Floyd
Strong, Morris
190
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Stewart, Howard
Trotter, Lewis
Thomas, Scy Milton
Uthe, Jurd
Willis, Walter
Andrews, Harold
Barlow, George
Briner, George
Brown, Frank
Cox, Elbert
Contrail, W. J.
Carter, Marion
Day, Roy
Estes, James
Feurt, Cleo
Feurt, Charles
Feurt, Vernon
Feurt, James
Gains, Roy C.
Gisebert, Walter
Gisebert, Charles
Harrington, John R.
Hankins, John E.
Hoyle, Grover
Irwin, Howard
Abbott, Walter
Bartlett, Garland
Bolar, Albert
Chambers, Poe
Chambers, Ray
Cunningham, Jas.
Davisson, David
Elkins, Vile
Gear, Walter
Glaze, Perry E.
Hathaway, Earl
Harrington, Chas.
Harrington, Roscoe
Holcomb, Harley
Woody, James P.
Wise, Chester
Worrel, Adeson H.
Wooden, Maurice
Jeuneson.
Coffey.
Jenkins, Virgil
Jobe, Charles
Landes, Carl
Knecht, William
Knott, Wood
McKenney, Jett L.
McDonald, Allen
McGee, Paul
Mikes, John
O'Brian, Chas. R. P.
Pugh, Samuel
Reed, Lan
Pugh, Allen
Robertson, Ira
Sabens, Earl
Scott, Henry
Schaffer, Homer
Shemwell, Bishop
Smith, Wilford
Walls, Cecil
Hoover, Henry H.
Hoover, Jacob A.
Hoover, Robert P.
Hampton, Earl
Iddings, Eddie
Kinkade, Kinnish
Martin, Charles H.
Patton, John
Parrett, Charles
Plymell, Charles D.
Plymell, Emil
Prindle, Ralph
Pugh, Hasset
Roland, Harry
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
191
Scott, John T.
Smith, Floyd
Snyder, Everett
Snyder, Roy
Stitt, Herman
Banks, Roy
BarkdoU, Victor
Boyd, Grover
Brassfield, Leonard
Campion, Fred
Cornelius, Vern
Cook, John W.
Cook, Willis
Deany, Wilford
Drake, Marion
Duffey, Earl
Faw, Harvey
Faw, Aaron
Foltz, Filmore
Foster, Carney
Grove, Paul
Hendricks, Roy
Alexander, Earl
Cox, Ralph
Davis, Toney
Miller, Carl
Puckett, James
Spidle, Forest L.
Spidle, Samuel
Townsand, Charles
Townsand, Willard
Lambert, J. C.
Nigh, J. W.
Wade, H. L.
Whetstone, John
Smith, George
Yost, Harvey
Hart, Clarence
Stretch, Omar G.
Thompson, Toney
Tracy, John
Witten, John F.
Altamont
Kemp, Henry
Kuebler, Leon
Kuebler, Roland
Lindsey, Fred
Patton, Herbert
Pierce, Robert
Roper, Lester
Snyder, Loren
Stephenson, E. F.
Stephens, John J.
Stephens, Leonard
Stephens, John
Stephenson, Ellis
Tedrick, Orson
Wathen, Clarence
Youtsey, Charles
Lick Fork.
Townsand, Frank
Taylor, Peter
Townsand, Glen
Rogers, Sherman
Reed, George
Trosper, Roy
Trosper, Nicholas
Toggle, Leslie
Pattonsburg
Bland, Earl
Davis, Ray
Chappell, Paul
Morris, Clyde
Kerns, Charles
Gromer, S. A.
Blankenship, Arch
192 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Williams, Walter Shackelford, E. U.
Carter, Lawrence Armstead, Harry
James, Floyd Williams, Joseph
Jameson.
Findley, Ben Turner, James
McClary, Leslie Murry, Ozar D.
Lewis, Clarence Gustalson, Carl
Scott, Roy Beck, Boyd
Palmer, Macy Hansher, Roy
Trotter, Lyle Gould, Robin P.
Foster, Charles Francisco, Walter
Dunn, Chas. W.
The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to three Daviess
County boys: Ora Lee Butcher, John W. McAfee, and Charles A. Shaw.
Return of Soldiers.
Soon after the signing of the armistice, the men in camps were sent
home. On January 1, the first of a series of "Welcome Home" recep-
tions was given in Gallatin. The reception was in charge of the Can-
teen Service of the Red Cross. By the middle of the summer a large
number of those overseas had also returned. It was then decided by the
Red Cross to give a "Welcome Home" celebration on July 4th to the 725
Daviess Countians who had been in the service. An address of welcome
was given by ex-Governor A. M. Dockery, followed by responses by
Henry Ramsbottom and Frank Gildow and an address by Col. Ruby D.
Garrett of Kansas City. Gold pins were presented as souvenirs on be-
half of the Red Cross to each soldier. Mrs. James Manring was awarded
a prize for having more sons in the service than any mother present.
Prizes were awarded the prettiest babies whose fathers were in the
service, the prizes being awarded to Gretchen Etter, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. R. L. Etter, Jr., and Walter William Colbert, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Walter Colbert. Various communities also gave recognition of the
return of the soldiers and sailors.
Auxiliary War Work,
The following figures show the contributions made by Daviess
County to Liberty Loan Campaigns, War Charities and Welfare organi-
zations :
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 193
Liberty Loans.
Date Chairman Quota Sold
First June 24, 1917 R.V.Thompson $221,088
Second Oct. 24, 1917 E. G Urban 233,000 $194,150
Third April 6, 1918 G. G Murray 239,000 399,250
Fourth Sept. 28, 1918 555,000 591,550
Victory April, 1918 R.V.Thompson 427,000 417,400
Y. M. C. A. Drive, 1917.
Quota, $6,000.00; raised, $9,827.76; C. L. Knauer, County Chair-
man.
United War Work Campaign, 1918.
Funds to be divided between Y. M. C. A. , Y. W. C. A., Salvation
Army and four other welfare organizations.)
Quota, $18,800.00 (later raised to $28,000.00) ; raised, $24,878.65;
C. L. Knauer, County Chairman.
Armenian, Grecian and Servian Relief, January, 1919.
Quota, $4,000.00; raised, $3,282.66; Floyd S. Tuggle, County Chair-
man.
Thrift Stamp Campaign, 1918.
The entire quota of $352,000.00 was subscribed. The exact figures
are not at hand. The county chairman was Homer Feurt.
Daviess County Council of Defense.
Chairman, Hon. Floyd S. Tuggle, Gallatin. Secretary, Dean E.
Handy, Gallatin. Simon Arnold, Jamesport; Dr. G. M. Wooden, Win-
ston; Dr. S. L. Hardinger, Pattonsburg; R. E. Maupin, Pattonsburg; L
L. Wade, Lock Springs; Mrs. Chas. Arnold, Jamesport.
Township Councils of Defense.
Benton— R. C. Maupin, O. P. Meadows, W. A. Warford, Geo. N.
Groomer, Raleigh A. Utz, M. E. Pangburn, Geo. N. Frazier, E. A. Mar-
tin, Mrs. Ben A. Yates.
Colfax — C. H. Bryant, L. Hudson, C. W. Shreckengaust, V. E. Fox-
worthy, A. C. Triem, E. W. Manring, Dr. D. M. Claggett.
Grand River — R. A. Daniels, George Goodbar, John F. Wilder, G.
W. Case, James Barnett, Virgil Gaines, S. C. Shaffer, Forest Everly.
Jamesport — S. E. Arnold, Jo-seph Foster, D. H. Robinson, Sam Gant,
S. B. Currin, W. L. McClure, C. L. Hampshirt.
Liberty — Dan Fisher, W. P. Griffin, H. E. Posten, Amos Steigers,
M. T. Lankford, E. G. Urban, T. L. Sturgeon, W. E. Hathway.
194 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Monroe — F. E. Mueller, W. D. Statler, Jas. O'Toole, E. T. Lank-
ford, E. J. Harlow, S. J. Dunlap, E. W. Foley.
Daviess — Frank Kissinger, W. M. Bristow, W. S. Sailor, Lewis Doll,
Grant McCleary, S. A. Gaines, J. W. Morrow, W. W. Edwards.
Union — W. R. Handy, W. C. Pogue, Penn Love, R. B. Moss, Roy
Whitt, Charles Hemry, R. J. Ball, Glenn Smith.
Harrison — J. G. Lawson, W. B. Trosper, B. W. Patrick, Gates Wool-
sey, Lynn Newman, Jacob Treon, John Boyd, J. W. Goins.
Jackson — L L. Wade, M. R. Weed, A. C. Buckingham, E. H. Green-
wood, S. L. McClure, Ezra Hamilton, R. W. Burge, Rev. Orr, Iva Drum-
mond.
Lincoln — J. R. Baker, R. D. McCray, E. R. Leigh, R. C. Grii^ith, B.
F. Bedford, Albert Springs, Elmer Wickizer, M. F. Ward.
Marion — J. H. Haver, Harve Zentz, Mrs. J. H. Henderson, John J.
Johnson, Chas. Snider, Orvy Schriver, Mrs. John Shaw.
Salem — W. Guy Welden, Robt. D. Kincade, J. E. Gotschall, Harper
Butler, J. F. Holmes, W. T. Siple, J. A. Burtch, J. A. Chambers.
CHAPTER XVII.
AMERICAN RED CROSS.
FIRST APPEAL— DAVIESS COl'NTY CHAPTER ORGANIZED— BRANCH CHAPTERS-
GROWTH IN MEMBERSHIP— SCHOOL AL^XILIARY— RED CROSS WEEK— FIRST AID
CLASS— MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES— WELCOME HOME ENTERTAIN-
MENT—AWARDS FOR SERVICE— PEACE PROGR.\M.
On May 3, 1917, a letter appeared in the local county papers signed
"Monroe Township Patriot," making an appeal for funds for the Red
Cross for the benefit of the sick and wounded soldiers in France. At the
same time expressions came from other sections of the county favoring
the local organization of the Red Cross and kindred societies. The first
start toward a Red Cross fund was made about the same time when Mrs.
James P. Tarwater sent a check to the editor of the Gallatin Democrat,
together with an earnest appeal to the women of the county to organize
this great work.
The general desire thus expressed to do and give soon began to take
definite form, manifesting itself in the organization of local welfare
bodies, some of which later affiliated with the Red Cross. The Daugh-
ters of the American Revolution first made arrangements for opening
rooms for the making of articles necessary for the comfort of the sol-
diers, and a class was organized May 26th to receive instructions in the
making of surgical dressings. The National League for Women was or-
ganized in Gallatin June 1, 1917, with the following officers: President,
Mrs. Boyd Dudley; Vice-President, Mrs. Arch Thompson; Secretary,
Golden Etter; Treasurer, Mrs. Floyd Tuggle. Interest in the League
grew rapidly. About the same time a group of girls at Winston organ-
ized a club to do knitting. A branch of the National League for Women's
Service was organized at Jamesport in June of the same year, the fol-
lowing officers being elected: President, Mrs. I. C. Hill ; Vice-President,
Mrs. L. N. Callison ; Secretary, Mrs. Lewis Marlow; Treasurer, Mrs.
Frankie Carr.
The organization of the Daviess County Chapter of the American
196 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Red Cross dates from June 23, 1917. The movement was headed by
Mayer Penn Love of Gallatin and met with the hearty co-operation of the
community. A canvass for memberships in Gallatin and other towns in
the county met with a liberal response. A permanent organization was
effected at a meeting held at the courthouse on July 23rd, and the fol-
lowing were elected: Simon Arnold, Jamesport, Chairman; Penn Love,
Gallatin, Vice-Chairman; George B. Koch, Jamesport, Secretary; Dr. R.
V. Thompson, Gallatin, Treasurer.
The work of organizing branch chapters and women's auxiliaries
was soon begun. Gallatin branch organized Sept. 24 with an initial
membership of almost 200. Branch organizations were also perfected at
Altamont, Winston, Jameson and Pattonsburg, before the end of the
month. Organizations such as the National League for Women's Service
came into the Red Cross. The branch organizations, with the first chair-
men, are as follows: Gallatin, Charles Brandon; Altamont, Mrs. John
Vanover; Coffey, J. A. Chambers; Jameson, Mrs. C. A. Feurt; James-
port, E. F. Ashbrook; Lock Springs, F. M. Achauer; Lick Fork, Mrs.
Lena Ramsbottom ; Mt. Nebo, Henry McCord; Pattonsburg, Rev. Pow-
ell A. Smith; Winston, Miss Emma Triem; Blake, J. O. Stanley; Civil
Bend, Mrs^. S. L. Hardinger; Wesley Chapel, Walter Edwards.
Mrs. Victoria Tuggle was chosen Executive Secretary of the Home
Service Committee of the County Chapter. Before taking up the work in
December, she went to St. Louis where she took a course of training
givn at the Divisional Headquarters of the A. R. C.
Membership in the organization grew rapidly, reaching 1748 on
Dec. 19, 1917, and in the nation-wide Christmas, 1917, membership
drive, under the leadership of W. Glen Smith, the county's quota of 3,-
000 was greatly exceeded, a total of 5,136 new members being added by
January 1, 1918. This increase in membership was distributed among
the various branches as follows: Gallatin, 1,100; Pattonsburg, 1,088;
Jamesport, 908; Winston, 499; Coffey, 401; Jameson, 319; Civil Bend,
242; Lick Fork, 200; Altamont, 194; Lock Springs, 150; Mt. Nebo, 134;
non- resident, 1.
In February, 1918, came the call of President Wilson asking that
between Feb. 12 and 22 a school auxiliary of the American Red Cross
be organized in every school in the nation; Mrs. Eunice E. Hosman was
made chairman and George B. Koch treasurer of the committee in
charge of this work inthe county. Other members of the committee were
Boyd Dudley, G. N. Gromer, E. H. Greenwood, J. F. Holmes, Sam Clark,
O. T. Brown, Dell Alleman and Ben Wood.
During Red Cross Week, beginning May 20, 1918, a drive, under
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 197
the chairmanship of J. M. Bauer, was begun which by Aug. 13 had pro-
duced a fund of $64,000, winning for Daviess County the distinction of
being the banner county in the southwestern division composed of Mis-
souri, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
A First Aid class was conducted in Gallatin, beginning the first
week in November, 1918, Dr. Norman being in charge.
On Nov. 26, 1918, the county executive committee met in Gallatin
and elected the following committee: Rev. Powell A. Smith and Mrs.
S. L. Hardinger, Pattonsburg; Miss Emma Triem and Mrs. Virgil Black,
Winston ; Mrs. Lena Ramsbottom, Charles Brandom and W. C. Pogue,
Gallatin; George H. Pogue, Jamesport; Mrs. C. A. Feurt, Jameson; Mrs.
John Vanover, Altamont; Mrs. Henry Duffey, Pattonsburg; J. G. Law-
son, Breckinridge; S. L. McClure, Lock Springs. Several attempts were
made to elect officers, the first group selected by the committee declined
to serve. For a time after the armistice interest in the organization was
at ebb.
W. R. Handy was in charge of the membership drive for 1918.
After the signing of the armistice the Red Cross sponsored a series
of Welcome Home entertainments for the soldiers. On July 4, 1919, a
home-coming celebration was given at Gallatin, at which badges were
presented to each of the soldiers.
The foregoing account is entirely inadequate in expressing the part
that the American Red Cross played during the war. Red Cross work
and other war activities superseded all social activities. Practically all
other organizations were temporarily disbanded. Nor can any account
ever adequately tell of the hours of patient service, the endless making
of pads, hospital garments, bandages, and the continual click of the
knitting needles turning out sweaters, helmets, scarfs, socks and wrist-
lets. The lists published below show in part the work done by the
county chapter. A committee on awards was formed to ascertain the
service given in the various departments. Awards were necessarily
based on the number of hours of Red Cross work done from April 6,
1917, to Dec. 24, 1918. A badge with a blue ribbon having two white
stripes represented three units of six months with 2,400 hours' service.
This was awarded to the following: Penn Love, Mrs. V. A. Tuggle, Mrs.
Belle Dudley and Mrs. R. V. Thompson.
For 1,600 hours or 12 months continuous service, the badge had a
blue ribbon with one white stripe. This emblem was awarded to Mrs.
C. A. Feurt, Mrs. J. W. Jenkins, Jameson; Mrs. L C. Hill; Mrs. Morgan
Hill, Jr., Mrs. Anna Carter and Mrs. Mollie McClure, Jamesport; Mrs.
198 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Minnie McElfresh, Mrs. Trave Campbell, and Mrs. Glasson, Pattons-
burg; Mrs. W. S. Whitt, Mrs. L. M. Hosman, Miss Ona Fletcher, Mrs.
Edna Cruzen, Mrs. H. A. Pilcher, Gallatin; Miss Emma Triem, Mrs. Earl
Manring, and Mrs. D. M. Clagett, Winston.
The badge with a plain blue ribbon attached represented six months
of continuous service with a minimum of 800 hours service and was
awarded to the following: Mrs. E. F. West, Winston; Mrs. Maggie,
Tague, Mrs. Belle Sperry, W. J. Gromer, Mrs. Emma Hardinger, Mrs.
Lucy Maupin, Mrs. Lucy Yercion, Rev. Powell Smith, Pattonsburg; Mrs.
Allen Selby, Miss Kate Young, Mrs. Martha Williams, Moses Mann,
Mrs. Emma Schmidt. Mrs. H. T. Leeper, Mrs. John Kemp, Mrs. J. C.
Leopard, Mrs. Cora Barlow, Mrs. Susan Osborn, Mrs. Sallie Burbank,
Mrs. Wood Hamilton, Gallatin; Mrs. John Vanover, Altamont; Mrs.
Letha Mann, Mrs. Dora Hays, Mrs. C. P. Mann, Mrs. G. W. Edwards,
Mrs. Emma Merrill, Claries Arnold, Mrs. George Mundell, Mrs. Emma
Stipes, Jamesport; Mrs. Geo. Mc Williams, Winston.
Sixty others were awarded the badge with the plain khaki colored
ribbon, representing 400 hours of work. These names are omitted for
lack of space.
When one adds to this 82,400 hours, the dozens of others who gave
freely of their time, but who were not included in the awards and when
it is also taken into consideration that the majority of the people work-
ing had a good day's work to do every day without including this work,
the result seems all the more remarkable.
Peace Program of the American Red Cross — In the latter part of
1919 Mrs. Vessey, a Red Cross nurse was brought to the county. She
conducted classes in Home Nursing in six centers. Certificates were
awarded to 179 who finished the course ; many others were present for
part of the lectures. First aid courses have been given in three schools,
by Dr. J. Z. Parker at Pattonsburg, Dr. T. E. Cooper at Gallatin, and Dr.
Glen Johnson at Winston.
The work done during the year 1921 is clearly set forth in a small
pamphlet published by the chapter. The chapter officers are: Mrs. V.
A. Tuggle, chairman; Mrs. Frank Davis, vice-chairman; Mrs. H. A.
Pilcher, secretary; Dr. R. V. Thompson, treasurer.
The health work of the Executive Secretary, Mrs. H. A. Pilcher, is
reported as follows: Two classes, first aid, 110 pupils; 3 high schools
co-operate with Red Cross in nutrition work; 100 correct class work
charts; 100 graph charts; 100 daily food records furnished them; two
schools, hot lunch; 32 sanitary dx'inking fountains; 6 Fairbanks scales in
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 199
town schools for weighing and measuring; 65 health posters made; 35
babies weighed and measured monthly and records kept; 100 health
pamphlets distributed; 8 practical nurses secured for families; 5 prac-
tical nurses furnished families; 1 tonsil operation by home doctors; 9
hospital cases ; 2 children for specialist examination ; 4 families fur-
nished serum for diphtheria.
This list shows only' a part of the work done. Among other things
the secretary reported that 595 home visits had been made, 23 schools
enrolled as Junior Red Cross auxiliaries, with 2,000 pupils enrolled ; 300
ex-service men given information and aid, 100 filed for vocational train-
ing and 24 were given training; 100 filed for compensation and 33 of
the applications were granted, 24 given dental work, 36 received hos-
pitalization, 158 given medical examination, 40 civilian families helped.
The total expenses of the chapter for the year were $2,590.77, total
branch and chapter expense, $2,900.
CHAPTER XVIII.
SOCIETIES AND LODGES.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC— SONS OF VETERANS— PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY-
YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION— I'NITED CONFEDERATE VETERANS—
P. E. O. SISTERHOOD— JAMESPORT FORTNIGHTLY CLUB— DAVIESS COUNTY
IMMIGRATION SOCIETY— DAI'GHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— THE W.
C. T. I'.— MASONIC— EASTERN STAR— KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS— I. O. O. F.— RE-
BEK.\HS— AMERICAN LEGION.
Grand Army of the Republic. — The first post of the G. A. R. in the
county was organized at Winston, then called Emporia, and was called
Kilpatrick Post No. 66. The date of the organization was the latter part
of 1882, or early in 1883, as it is first listed in the 1883 report of the G.
A. R., Department of Missouri. The first commander was Wesley Lee.
Gallatin had the next organization — Lewis Post No. 104, the name
of which was later changed to Nichols Post. Benton Miller was the first
commander and at the state meeting in 1884, the post was represented
by Benton Miller, A. M. Irving and H. C. McDougal.
Salem Post No. 128 was organized shortly afterwards and R. M.
Askins was its commander.
Victoria had an organization known as the James N. Whitehead
Post No. 171. V. P. Dillingham was the first commander of the Post.
Jamesport Post No. 220 was organized in 1884, with Jacob Kene-
strick as the first commander.
S. L. Turley Post No. 222 was organized about the same time at
Bancroft, with C. D. Knight commander.
Jameson was not long in following the example of the other towns,
and organized the John Kennett Post No. 226.
Pattonsburg Post No. 242 was the next Post in the county.
In 1887 the Bob Ford Post No. 303 at Coffeyburg appears for the
first time in a state i-eport. Cornelius Yost was the first commander.
In 1890 the camps had the following commanders. Where the post
was inspected during the year, the number of members in good stand-
ing is also given :
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 201
By 1895 the number of members in the organization had begun to
decrease. A report of members in the various camps for 1894 shows
that of the Daviess County Posts, the Post at Bancroft led with a mem-
bership of 44, Winston coming next with 37, Jamesport with 33, Galla-
tin 23, Pattonsburg 18, Coffeyburg 11.
After 1895 few of the Posts made reports or sent delegates to the
state meetings, and an account of their proceedings are difficult to ob-
tain. In 1905 one of the local papers made the statement that there was
only one active camp in the county, the Bob Ford Post. The following
week the Jamesport correspondent replied that the organization there
was still in fine working order. The members of the G. A. R. of the
various towns hold meetings occasionally, but their numbers are now so
few that the organization is no longer the force that it was in the eighties
and nineties.
Sons of Veterans. — In June, 1914, through the work of Rev. A. O.
Hunsaker, a post of the Sons of Veterans was organized at Altamont,
and was known as Altamont Camp No. 26.
Patrons of Husbandry. — The first grange of the Patrons of Hus-
bandry was established in 1873, but reached its greatest strength in the
late summer of 1874.
The Daviess County Council of the Patrons of Husbandry, organ-
ized Oct. 15, 1873, was composed of the subordinate granges or local
organizations which had complied with the order of the association.
Annual meetings were held on the first Tuesday in September, and
other regular meetings in December, March and June.
The first officers of the county organization were William D. Mc-
Donald, president; James L. Powell, secretary; Gabriel Feurt, treas-
urer; J. P. Drummond, Samuel Kindig and R. M. Jackson, trustees; B.
G. Kimball, business agent.
During 1873 and 1874, twenty granges were affiliated with the
county organization, about half of them being organized at the time of
the formation of the county association.
The organization of the county reached its climax in 1874, but as
late as 1877 there were still grange stores in operation. In the early
fall of 1877 a Grange picnic was given in Woodruff's grove, near Galla-
tin, and was attended by a large crowd. Judge Peter Bear presided, and
speeches were made by D. L. Kost, Rev. J. L. Netherton and others.
Could the organization have been kept free from politics it would
probably have been much more effective. As it was, the order was
practically dead by 1880.
Young Men's Christian Association. — During the winter of 1886
202 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
and 1887, a revival meeting was held in Gallatin by the Rev. Z. M. Wil-
liams, now president of Central College for Women at Lexington, Mo.,
who was then pastor of the Methodist Church. Shortly after the close
of the services, some of the young men decided to organize a Y. M. C. A.
Accordingly a meeting was held in the Methodist Church Sunday after-
noon, Jan. 16, 1887, with Dr. Williams presiding, and W. T. Osborn as
temporary secretary.
The first officers were Ed. E. Yates, president; Charles L. Knauer,
first vice-president; Wesley L. Robertson, second vice-president; and
Clint A. Stout, secretary.
Mr. Yates served as president for four years. He was succeeded by
C. L. Knauer, who held the office for two years. In 1893, S. T. Brosius
was elected president, and the following year Joshua W. Alexander
headed the organization. Since that time C. L. Knauer has been pres-
ident. Mr. Knauer has also taken a prominent part in State Y. M. C. A.
work.
The need of a large building was soon evident, and the first thought
was to buy a lot and erect a building, but it was later, in 1889, decided
to purchase the building now occupied by office of the superintendent of
the city electric light plant. The price paid was $1600. The upper
floor was converted into a reading room and auditorium. For many
years the first floor was occupied by the post office.
The need of a gymnasium was felt for some time before the present
building was erected. In January, 1903, a meeting was called to dis-
cuss the advisability of fitting up a gymnasium. It was not until Jan-
uary, 1908, however, that the work was undertaken. A membership
drive was then begun, 200 members being the goal. Subscriptions were
also taken for the improvement fund. A fund of about $2,000 was
raised.
In the meantime Mr. Knauer had interested the state committee
in the work and that organization decided to attempt the institution of
a county Y. M. C. A., using Gallatin as a sort of experiment station. To
help in the movement, Mr. Knauer offered the Gallatin Y. M. C. A. a
lot one block from the public square, and $600 if the association would
raise the funds for a modern building. The offer was accepted, the old
building disposed of at $1,000, and the remainder raised by public sub-
scription. The whole amounted to about $7,000.
The new building was completed in January, 1909. It contains a
gymnasium, which can also be used as an auditorium. A kitchen adjoin-
ing also makes it convenient to use the gymnasium as a dining room.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 203
The main room is used as a social meeting place, the second floor for a
library.
In the space back of the building is a tennis court. About two
years ago, the lot adjoining the building on the west was purchased, a
large portion of the price being donated by Governor Dockery, and the
remainder raised by public subscription.
The first full-time secretary employed was Fred Vollmer, who came
in 1908, and continued in the position until 1915, when he was succeeded
by Frank K. Zoll, and he in turn by Rush Tuttle. The present secretary
is Alfred N. Sanson.
United Confederate Veterans. — So far as can be learned, only one
camp of the United Confederate Veterans has ever been organized in
Daviess County. The exact date of the organization is not known, but
it was probably in the early part of 1897. In the first annual report of
the United Confederate Veterans of Missouri, the Surgeon John Cravens
Camp No. 912 is reported with Independence Mann as Commander,
J. W. Miller, Adjutant. For a number of years, N. A. Baker served as
adjutant. The camp has not been active for several years. The last
commander was George W. Williams.
In 1906 and 1907, reunions were held to which the "Boys in Blue"
were given cordial invitations to attend.
Below are given the names of those who belonged to the organiza-
tion, together with the record of their service. The list was made up
from the records of the camp, obtained through the kindness of Adju-
tant N. A. Baker.
Allen, Dr. J. T. Co. A, Col. Reeves' Regt., Mo. Cavalry.
Baker, N. A., Sergeant, Co. K, Twenty-second Va. Infantry.
Bowen, James A., Stanwerty's Staff.
Burge, John W., Co. B, Elliot's Battalion.
Ball, A. C, Private, Capt. Austin's Independent Company.
Beard, W. S., Co. B. First Arkansas Infantry.
Best, L. M., Co. G, First Mo. Cavalry.
Broughton, Nathan. Private Co. K, Tenth Mo. Cavalry.
Burge, J. W., Private, Co. H. Eleventh Missouri Infantry.
Cruzen, Nathaniel G., Private, Co. E, Ninth Missouri, Infantry.
Cloudas, Pitt, Private, Co. K, Sixth Missouri, Infantry.
Dehring, James R., Private, Co. G. First Missouri Cavalry.
Ellis, L. A., Private, Co. G. First Missouri, Cavalry.
Ellis, L. A., Private, Co. G, First Missouri Cavalry.
Ewing, George D., Private, Co. A, Fourth Ky. Cavalry.
Enyart, Logan, Captain, Missouri, State Guards.
204 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Estes, J. W., Private, Co. I, Fifty-fourth Ky.
Ford, T. R., Private, Co. I, Twelfth Tenn., Cavalry.
Green, J. T. Private, Co. G, Col. Reeves' Regt., Missouri Cavalry.
Houghton, J., Private, Co. B, Sixth Va. Cavalry.
Hunter, James M., Private, Co. A, Wither's Artilery.
Hopkins, George, Private, Co. D, Third & Fifth Missouri Infantry.
Harper, A. N., Captain, Co. F. Ninth Tenn. Cavalry.
Jackson, T. B. Paymaster, Third Division Missouri, State Guards.
Lynn, Gus A., Private, Co. G., First Missouri Cavalry.
Mallory, M. T. Private, Co., E, Thirtieth Va. Battalion Infantry.
McClane, R. J.
McCue, R. M., Private, Co. B, Elliott's Battalion.
McCue, James, Lieutenant, Co. B, Elliott's Battalion.
McCue, George, Company B, Elliott's Battalion.
McNeil, John, McNeil's Co., Reeves' Regiment, Missouri Cavalry.
May, Gabriel, Private, Co. E, Fourth Ky. Cavalry.
Mann, Independence, Co. E, Third Missouri, Infantry.
McCartney, William, Co. F, Sixtieth Va. Infantry.
McCartney, George, Co. F, Sixtieth Va. Infantry.
McCullough, S. W., Co. H, Tenth Missouri, Infantry.
McMillion, James, Sergeant, Co. G. First Missouri Cavalry.
Neal, J. W., Private, Co. F. Fourth Va. Infantry.
Nickell, William N., Co. D, Twenty-seventh Vo. Infantry.
O'Farrall, G. I., Lieutenant, Co. C. Shelby's Brigade.
Scott, J. A., Capt. Co. E, Twenty-sixth Va. Battalion Infantry.
Stovall, W. T. Fourth Tenn. Cavalry.
Thomas, Dr. Maro, Forty-ninth Tenn. Infantry, Detach Service.
Tomlinson, John E, Private, Co. D, Shelby's Brigade.
Vallandingham, R., Private, Col. Reeves' Regt.
Wilson, Samuel, Private, Second Texas Battery.
Williams, Roger, Private, Col. Reeves' Regt.
Williams, George, Private, Col. Reeves' Regt.
Winburn, Jason, Lieutenant, Co. D, Second Ky. Cavalry.
Worrell, Asas, Lieutenant, Co. K. Col. Bolt's Brigade.
Woods, John H. Captain, Co. I, Sixteenth Va Cavalry.
Yeager, M. W., Co. I, Second Texas Cavalry.
Smith, I. v., Co. E, Cockrel's Brigade.
Shultz, Peter.
Stafford, E. W., McCamma's Battalion, Wise's Brigade.
P. E. O. Sisterhood. — B. C. Chapter of the P. E. O. Sisterhood was
organized at Pattonsburg, May 12, 1909. The charter members were
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 205
Miss Matie Kelly, Mrs. Minnie McElfresh, Mrs. Anna B. Yates, Mrs.
Anna Haas, Mrs. Blanche Gorsuch, Mrs. Rhea McCue, Mrs. Mucy Mau-
pin, Mrs. Ellen Groomer, Miss Elsie Fisher, and Miss Edith Bray. There
are now fifteen resident and nine non-resident members. The president
of the organization for the year 1922-1923 is Mrs. Lowell Bi-ay. The
following have served as president of the organization: Mrs. Minnie
McElfresh, Miss Matie Kelly, Mrs. Anna Yates, Mrs. Lucy Maupin, Mrs.
Blanche Gorsuch, Mrs. Sallie Cook, Mrs. Elsie Harris, Mrs. Sallie Fraz-
ier, Mrs. Cena Wright, Mrs. Dorothy Maupin and Miss Hattie McDaniel.
The pastor's study in each of the three Pattonsburg churches have been
furnished by the order, and a large number of books added to the public
library.
B. Q. Chapter of the P. E. O. Sisterhood was organized at Gallatin,
Sept. 17, 1912. The charter members were Mrs. Maude Clingan Fit-
terer, Mrs. Rebecca C. Townsend, Mrs. Josephine B. Davis, Mrs. Vennie
Love, Mrs. Lillian M. Clingan, Mrs. Minnie B. Mann, Mrs. Kate C. Os-
born. Miss Lida May Clinghan, and Miss India Irving Richardson. The
organization has now seventeen resident and four non-resident members.
The president for the year 1921-22 is Mrs. Kate C. Osborn. Mrs. Mollie
Dahl, Mrs. Gertrude C. Gillihan, Mrs. Maude C. Fitterer and Mrs. Bess
C. Murray have sen'ed as presidents of the organization.
Jamesport Fortnightly Club. — The Jamesport Fortnightly Club has
been since 1911 a member of the Missouri Federation of Women's Clubs.
It is also a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs. The
club has twenty members. The officers for 1921-1922 are: Miss Leda
R. Malone, President; Mrs. Floyd Ames, secretary. During the past
year a study has been made of the history of Missouri.
Daviess County Immigration Society. — Thinking that the county
needed new settlers, and that if the advantages of the country were
known, this increase in population would necessarily follow, the Daviess
County Immigration Society was formed in 1875. The board of di-
rectors consisted of H. C. McDougal, James L. Davis, T. B. Yates, John
Ballinger, S. P. Cox, James T. Dunn, and Milt Ewing. The following
township committeemen were chosen: S. A. Richardson, George Tuggle
and James Stigers, of Gallatin; H. P. Hubbard, of Hamilton; T. J. Jef-
feries, Winstonville ; W. B. Smith, and Michael Murray, Jamesport;
Thomas B. Crowder, Alta Vista; Elijah Hubbard, Jameson; James L.
Powell, Civil Bend; R. S. Hall, Breckenridge; John F. McDougal and
Bernard Markey, Bancroft; B. H. Coffey, Coffeyburg; T. J. Mattingly,
Pattonsburg.
206 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
A committee was appointed to write a brief descriptive history of
the county, giving such facts as would interest prospective settlers. Five
thousand copies of this pamphlet were printed for free distribution in
1876. The organization lasted only a short time.
The Gallatin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution
was organized Oct. 8, 1913, with the State Regent Mrs. George McFar-
lane present. There were seventeen charter members. The first of-
ficers of the organization were: Regent, Mrs. Mollie P. Brosius; Vice
Regent, Mrs. Maude Fitterer; Registrar, Miss Amy Smith; Secretary,
Mrs. Margaret Thompson; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Minnie
Achuff ; Treasurer, Miss Eloise Wynne ; Historian, Mrs. Vennie Love.
The chapter now has fifteen resident and seven non-resident members.
Mrs. C. R. Brandon is the Regent. A flag pole and flag were given the
public school soon after the outbreak of the World War. A flag pole
was erected in the court house yard by the citizens of Gallatin, the flag
being donated to the county court by the D. A. R. society. The first
definite step to organize the women for war work was taken by this
organization.
The W. C. T. U. — Since the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
is the only temperance organization which has remained active for any
length of time, a sketch of the organization is included here, the data
being furnished by Mrs. John W. McClaskey.
Gallatin had a branch organization of the Women's Christian Tem-
perance Union since 1885, the leaders in the early years of its organiza-
tion being Mrs. Thomas Crane. Mrs. A. T. Ray, who is still very active in
the work, Mrs. Tom Brown, Mrs. Dr. Pipkin, and Mrs. Dan Critten. In
later years Mrs. Fred Fair. Mrs. H. A. Kerr, Mrs. A. H. Pettijohn, Mrs.
Harry Pilcher and Mrs. J. W. McClaskey have been among the leaders
of the work.
Unions are also active at Pattonsburg, Coffey and Jamesport.
Among the leaders at Pattonsburg are Mrs. N. G. Ellis, Mrs. W. P. Brod-
beck, Mrs. E. O. Turner and Mrs. R. F. Wood, who among them have
held the presidency of the organization for the past twelve years. The
leader of the work at Coffey is Mrs. Ollie Siple, who was president of
the county organization for a number of years and has always been a
willing and capable worker in the organization. The Jamesport organ-
ization has existed since 1891, and among the leaders have been Mrs.
Harry Jones, Mrs. Longfellow, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Pease and others.
In the year 1910 the state was divided into counties, for the purpose
of organization, instead of into districts, as before. Daviess County
was organized in 1911, Mrs. John W. McClaskey being chosen Presi-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 207
dent, and Mrs. Harry Jones, of Jamesport, Vice-president. In June,
1912, the first county convention was held in Gallatin. Mrs. Ollie Siple,
of Coffey, vi'as chosen President to succeed Mrs. McClaskey, whose ill
health compelled her retirement. Mrs. Siple continued in the presidency
of the organization for three years, when Mrs. McClaskey was again
chosen. Mrs. N. G. Ellis, of Pattonsburg, has also served as President
of the county organization. Mrs. John W. McClaskey now holds the
office.
All of the unions have been active in all lines of the organization's
work. Effective work has been done in the way of Medal contests, in-
struction in citizenship, scientific temperance instruction, child welfare,
law enforcement. Sabbath observance and a number of other activities.
Masonic Lodge. — Pattonsburg Lodge No. 65, was established at Pat-
tonsburg, in 1854. It was removed to the new town in 1877. The chapter
has a membership of 81. Charles Gorsuch is W. M., and J. B. Sentz,
Secretary.
Earl Lodge No. 285, at Coffey, has 68 members. The present officers
are H. A. Cunningham, W. M., and C. W. Githens, Secretary.
Western Star Lodge No. 15, at Winston, was originally located at
Victoria. It was removed to Winston in 1879. The chapter has a mem-
bership of 82. Dell Alleman is W. M., and A. E. DeFord, Secretary.
41tamont Lodge No. 108, was organized about 1918, and has a mem-
bership of 52. The officers are J. Lester Johnson, W. M., and Ben F. Kuhns,
Secretary.
Lock Springs Lodge No. 488, was organized in 1874, with 7 charter
members, all of whom are dead. The officers are W. F. Brookshier, W. M.,
J. W. Bills, S. W.; J. E. Smith, J. W. ; A. D. Manned, Secy.; I. L. Wade,
Treasurer.
Jamesport Lodge No. 201, was organized April 5, 1866, with James T.
Allen, W. M. This chapter continued in existence until 1892, when the
charter was arrested. In the winter of 1897, the present lodge, No. 564,
was organized with the following officers: John Brookshier, W. M. ; Jerd
Graves, S. W. ; Wm. Drummond, J. W. ; R. L. Isherwood, Secy. ; William
McNeil, Treas. There were at that time about 25 members.
The date of the charter is Oct. 19, 1898. There are now about 125
members, with the following officers : George B. Koch, W. M. ; W'. E. Bray,
S. W. ; H. S. Hook, J. W. ; C. A. Lewis, Secy. ; W. T. McClure, Treas.
Gallatin Lodge No. 106, was instituted Oct. 16, 1879, a chapter organ-
ized many years before having been disbanded. The first officers were A.
F. McFarland, W. M. ; John H. Ball, S. W. ; George Tuggle, J. W. ; Henry E.
208 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Orcutt, Secy. ; T. B. Yates, Treas. It now has a membership of about 150.
The officers are T. E. Cooper, W. M. ; Ralph Yates, S. W. ; Roy Trotter, J.
W. ; N. S. Givens, Secretary.
Royal Arch Chapter, No. 11 at Gallatm, was instituted Oct. 10, 1867,
with Nelson M. Smith, H. P.; James L. Davis, King; Robert L. Dodge,
Scribe. The chapter now has about 250 members.
Order of the Eastern Star. — Corinthian Chapter 0. E. S., at Gallatin,
received its charter Oct. 7, 1875, with A. F. McFarland, a Master Mason as
W. P. ; Mrs. M. Sue Black, W. M. ; and Villa S. Ladd, A. M. The present
officers are Mrs. Roy Dean, W. M. ; Virgil Chrane, W. P. ; Mrs. Guy Murray,
A. M. ; Mrs. Elmer Blackburn, Secy. ; Mrs. John Musselman, Treas.
Jameson Chapter 0. E. S., No. 45, was organized in 1896, with 20
charter members. The first officers were Mrs. V. Dunn, W. M. ; John
Handy, W. P. ; Mrs. V. Dunn, A. M. ; Mrs. John Irwin, Secy. ; Mrs. Alice
Stovall, Treas., There are now 60 members of the order with the follow-
ing officers: Mrs. Gertrude Smith, W. M. ; John Robinson, W. P. ; Miss Susie
Martin, A. M. ; Mrs. Ruth J. Dunn, Secy. ; Mrs. Mary Gaines, Treas.
Pattonsburg Chapter No. 199, O. E. S., was organized Oct. 12, 1901,
with 21 members. The first officers were Mrs. Lucy Maupin, W. M. ; M. B.
Yates, W. P.; Mrs. Rosa Gough, A. M. The present officers are Mrs.
Goldena Smart, W. M. ; Thomas Smart, W. P. ; Mrs. Hattie McDaniels, A.
M. ; Mrs. Daisie Ross, Secy. ; Mrs. Emma Bray, Treasurer.
Ideal Chapter O. E. S., No. 119, at Jamespoi't was organized in May,
1902, and a charter was granted Oct. 30, 1902. The first officers of the
organization were Mrs. Ida SutcliflFe, W. M. ; John R. Handy, W. P. ;
Miss Mabel Lumpkin, A. M. ; Mrs. Lizzie Phipps, Secy. ; Mrs. Emma Hill,
Treas. The present officers are Mrs. Dora Tye, W. M. ; R. M. Cole, W. P. ;
Mrs. 0. J. Sommerville, A. M. ; Mrs. Martha Bray, Secy.; Mrs. Nancy
Drummond, Treasurer.
Lock Springs, Lock Springs Chapter No. 83, 0. E. S., was organized
in 1902 with 20 charter members, and the following officers : Mary J. Min-
nick, W. M. ; H. F. Lawrence, W. P. ; Margaret M. Wade. A. M. ; I. L. Wade,
Secy. ; Jessie Lawrence, Treas. The order now has a membership of 64,
with Rosa Litton, W. M.; J. R. Stanley, W. P.; Ella Bills, A. M.; W. F.
Broosshier, Secy. ; I. L. Wade, Treas.
Winston Chapter No. 182, 0. E. S., was organized in 1917, in 25
charter members. The first officers were Mrs. Edna Manning Alva De-
Ford, W. M. ; Mrs. Cressie DeFord, A.M. ; Mrs. Eetta McCaskey, Sec. ; Mrs.
Addie Claggett, Treas. At present the chapter has the following officers :
Mrs. Tracy Orcutt, W. M. ; Ralph Orcutt, W. P. ; Mrs. Letha Taylor, A. M. ;
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 209
Mrs. Blanche Gysin, Secy. ; Mrs. Addie Claggett, Treas. There are 55
members.
Altamont Chapter O. E. S. No. 432, was organized in 1919 with Mrs.
Ruth Riggs, as W. M., and John Vanover, W. P. ; Christine Layman, A. M. ;
Florence Vanover, Treasurer ; Martha Wallace, Secy. The present officers
are: Cora Black, W. M. ; Lester Johnson, W. M. ; May Rhemes, A. M. ;
Christine Layman, Secy. ; Georgia Burns, Treas. There are 79 members
of the order.
Knights of Phythias. — Banner Lodge No. 88, at Jamesport had, ac-
cording t othe 1920 report, 126 members During the year five new mem-
bers had been added and two lost. The property of the lodge is valued at
$848.96, and its assets amount to $1230.02. J. F. Jackson was the deputy
in 1920, and Robert McCue, keeper of the records and seal.
- Jameson Lodge No. 255, had in 1920, 84 members, 11 more than in
1919. The lodge property was valued at $300, and its total assets amount-
ed to $1626.42. A. E. Geisbert was deputy and J. C. McDonald, keeper
of the records and seal.
On page 27 of the 1920 report, under the title "Charters Arrested,"
appears the following:
"Pattonsburg Lodge No. 247, Pattonsburg, April 3rd, 1919, by S. D. G.
C. W. F. Drummond, who after paying all bills remitted $178.95 in cash
and a note for $351.20 secured by deed of trust on real estate, 21 members
paying dues and retaining membership in the Home State Lodge."
L 0. O. P.— Gallatin Lodge No. 167, w as organized May 22, 1867, with
W. H. Folmsbee, N. G.; S. A. Black, V. G. ; Pines R. Dunn, R. S. ; R. L.
Dodge, F. S. The order now has 225 members. The officers are: J. E.
Swafford, N. G. ; Lewis Smith, V. G.; A. R. Maffitt, R. S.; Fred Weiser, F.
S. ; Homer Feurt, Treas.
Jamesport Lodge No. 339, was organized May 19, 1876, with P. R.
Dunn, N. G.; W. F. Boyd, V. G.; W. A. Wynn, Secy.; and S. T. Haynes,
Treas. There are now 73 members of the chapter.
Wilbur Lodge No. 403 at Pattonsburg was organized Feb. 23, 1881.
It has a membership of 117.
Winston Lodge No. 371 was organized March 5, 1877. with F. B. H.
Brown as N. G. ; Joseph Swike, V. G. ; John T. Shaw, Secy. ; and M. J. Ben-
son, Treasurer. The chapter now has a membership of 37, with the follow-
ing officers: W. H. KaufFman, N. G.; John Walp, V. G.; and R. J. Kimber-
ling. Secy.
Civil Bend Lodge No. 203 was instituted Feb. 15, 1869, with A. M.
210 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Swaney, N. G. ; W. S. Mallory, V. G. ; J. H. Frost, R. S. ; John Easter, P. S. ;
T. J. Swaney, P. S. The chapter now has 41 members.
Lock Springs Lodge No. 380 has a membership of 43. Coffeyburg
No. 520, has a membership of 117. Altamont Lodge No. 607 has a mem-
bership of 66. The hall was destroyed by fire in 1921, and plans are being
made to rebuild.
There are about 725 members of the L 0. 0. F. in the county.
Rebekahs. — Sarah Rebekah Lodge was organized at Pattonsburg about
1890. The officers are Mrs. lone Bloom, N. G. ; Mrs. Etta Crump, V. G. ;
Mrs. Minnie McElfresh, Secy.; and H. D. Milstead, Treas.
The first officers of the New Hope Rebekah Lodge at Lock Springs
were, Mrs. T. A. Abbott, N. G.; L L. Wade, V. G.; Brumett Bowersock,
Treasurer. The present officers are Mrs. Ora Trosper, N. G. ; Mrs. May
Eads, V. G. ; Mrs. Mary Eads, R. S. ; Mrs. Anna Garr, F. S. ; Mrs. Brumett
Bowersox, Treas.
Altamont Rebekah Lodge No. 525, was organized at Altamont about
1908 with 60 members. Mrs. Dan Fisher was the first Noble Grand and
Mrs. Abe Wills, the first Vice Grand. The other officers are not known as
the records were destroyed by fire. The present officers are Pearl Roberts,
N. G. ; Jessie Snyder, V. G. ; Cena Curtis, Secy. ; Georgia Burns, Treas.
There are 53 members of the chapter.
A Rebekah lodge was organized at Civil Bend, but was disbanded
about 15 years ago. Another chapter was organized April 1, 1921, and
is known as Augusta Rebekah Lodge No. 741. The officers are Mrs. Pearl
Smith, N. G. ; Mrs. LilHe Faiber, V. G. ; Mrs. Bettie Brown, F. S. ; John
Field, C. S. ; Clyde Frost, Treas. There are 24 members.
Coflfey Rebekah Lodge No. 287 was organized in May, 1901 with 28
members. Miss Emma Hendrix, N. G. ; Mrs. Fannie Dryer, V. G. ; Miss
Mollie Armstrong, C. S. ; Miss Phena Everly, F. S. ; Mrs. Lou Witten, Treas.
There are now 89 members of the chapter with the following officers: Mrs.
Kattie Miller, N. G. ; Mrs. Lillian Weldon, V. G. ; Mrs. Frankie Wright, R.
S. ; Mrs. Merle Williams, F. S. ; Mrs. Hattie Glaze, Treas.
One of the most flourishing chapters of the order is found at James-
port. Two state presidents have come from this organization, Mrs. Mary
Buren and Miss Ethel Langford.
The Gallatin Rebekah Lodge was organized about 1893. The present
officers are, Mrs. Maude Galpin, N. G. ; Mrs. Ada Witten, V. G. ; Miss Ber-
nice Ramsbottom, R. S. ; Mrs. Stella Hunt, F. S.
American Legion. — The first chapter of the American Legion was
organized in Gallatin, Sept. 2, 1919, with a charter membership of 30. It
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 211
was decided that the organization should be known as the Wallace McAfee
Post. The following officers were elected: Post Commander, Dr. M. A.
Smith; Vice Commander, Dean H. Leopard; Adjutant, H. C. Venable;
Finance Officer, Harley Morris; Historian, Fred M. Harrison. Harley
Morris is now Post Commander. There are about 90 members.
The Ray Noll Post No. 79 was organized at Jamesport, Sept. 18, 1919,
with 30 members. Neal 0. McCollum was the first Post Commander;
Viwell Lankf ord, Vice Commander ; Charles Evans, Sergeant at Arms ; 0.
L. Gildow, Finance Officer ; J. Frank Gildow, Historian ; Lee Goodbar, Ad-
jutant. The post now has 55 paid up members. A hall is owned by the
organization. There is a Women's Auxiliary with a membership of 47.
Charles Evans is Post Commander ; Clarence Wells, Vice Post Commander ;
J. R. Wiles, Adjutant; 0. L. Gildow, Finance Officer; Leslie Lankf ord, His-
torian.
The Shaw- Whetstone Post No. 227, at Pattonsburg, has a membership
of about 90. E. U. Shackelford is commander, and T. L. Smart, Vice Com-
mander. W. L. Moody is the Adjutant.
,I-:XTRV COUNTY Lt:)L'Rr HurSE. ALBANY
HIGH SCHOOL BlILIMNG, ALBANY
PART 11.
History of Gentry County,
CHAPTER I.
INTRODUCTORY.
THE AUTHOR'S OBSERVATION OF SIXTY-FIVE YEARS IN GENTRY COUNTY— HIGH
POINTS OF HISTORY— PROGRESS OF GENTRY COUNTY— ADHERENCE TO FACTS—
•HARKING BACK"
With a commendable lack of confidence the writer undertakes the
preparation of his county's history. At the impressionable age of 14
years the author arrived in Gentry County in 1856, 22 years after the
earliest white settlers. At that date all leading facts of local history
were still distinct in the general consciousness. Sixty-five years resi-
dence have given the writer personal acquaintance and friendship with
many of the county fathers.
There must of necessity be high points in any history. The most
interesting feature of local county history is the usual, every day life of
the people. Pioneer life, because of its vast difference from that which
comes later, is of highest interest to posterity.
History should reveal the advancement, the obstacles, and the man-
ner of their overcoming. More than this, history should indicate the rate
of progress. Posterity will ask, "How far did Gentry County travel in
the way of progress and development?" The best answer to this ques-
tion is a vivid picture of out activities today, material, social and benevo-
lent. For instance, agriculture and allied interest will be one of the high
points; education will be one and response to the World's War crisis will
be another. With a rigid adherence to facts, every effort is made to
preserve the high lights, and to give due proportion to larger things.
Those readers who held acquaintance with the author will gener-
ously indulge him in the following literary extravagance.
214 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
HARKING BACK
In the Grand River Valley, I'm contented to dwell.
The allotment of Providence pleases me well.
I'm walking with industry, day in and day out.
And collecting the comforts she's never without.
Like a deep rooted tree in the midst of the grove,
I am firmly attached in the bondage of love,
To my friends and the scenes that environ my home,
Untempted by specious allurements to roam.
Though storms overhead at intervals beat.
And hindering meshes entangle my feet,
With heaven above and Missouri beneath,
Not a shade of distrust ever wavers my faith.
Content with the blessings, I've had in the past.
And the promise that seed time and harvest shall last,
I'll continue to plod in the fields I have known.
Ever generous to wield where faithfully sown.
No envious yearnings for the rich and the great,
Whose cares grow apace with increasing estate.
In the furrows of plenty, unburdened by wealth.
My life ripples onward in the sunshine of health.
Now the time is far spent ; my day is at close ;
The sunset invites me to final repose,
And I'll find it secure in a higher-up Land.
While my body decays on the banks of the Grand.
CHAPTER II.
TERRITORIAL HISTORY.
CLAIMED BY RIGHT OF DISCOVERY— INDIANS' RIGHTS SWEPT ASIDE— LOUISIANA
PURCHASE— TERRITORY OF MISSOURI ORGANIZED— HOWARD COUNTY ESTAB-
LISHED— "THE MOTHER OF COUNTIES"— GENTRY COUNTY ORGANIZED IN 1845—
NAMED IN HONOR OF COLONEL GENTRY— LOCATION.
Gentry County in Northwest Missouri is a parcel of territory from
that vast domain in the New World west of the Mississippi River,
claimed by right of discovery, in the name of Louis XIV, for the king-
dom of France.
The Indians, the original inhabitants, being almost entirely no-
madic, were adjudged uncivilized, and their rights were swept aside
with more or less promptitude, by the great powers of Europe. Under
the name of "the Province of Louisiana," France maintained undisputed
control until the close of the old French War in 1763, when this large
region was ceded to Spain.
After 37 years control, Spain, in 1800, ceded to France this great
possession. In April 1803 Napoleon sold and ceded the entire realm to
the United States for $15,000,000.00. In October of the same year.
President Madison was authorized by Congress to take possession and
provide provisional government.
In March 1804 the division of the Louisianna Purchase was author-
ized, this was effected a month later when the southern portion was
named the Territory of Orleans, and the northern portion was set apart
as the District of Upper Loui.siana, under the temporary jurisdiction of
Indiana Territory, the 33rd parallel North latitude being the dividing
line. The present state of Missouri was embraced in the District of
Upper Louisiana.
In 1805 the District of Upper Louisiana, coming under its own Ter-
ritorial government on July 4th of the same year. In 1812 this terri-
tory was organized, or reorganized, as the Territory of Missouri under
act of congress approved June 4th. In 1819, a portion of the Territory
216 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
of Missouri was set apart and organized as the Territory of Arkansas.
In 1816, Howard County was established out of portions of St. Louis
and St. Charles Counties. This county, known as "Mother of Counties,"
comprised the whole northwest portion of the territory. Howard County
was named in honor of General Benjamin Howard, acting governor of
the territory, which was established in 1816. Settlements were begun
as early as 1807 by Daniel Boone, Benjamin Cooper, and others. In
1820 Ray County was formed from the western part of Howard County.
In 1821 the territory was admitted into the Union as the State of Mis-
souri. In 1822 Clay County was formed from the west half of Ray
County. In 1833 Clinton County was formed from the northern portion
of Clay County.
In 1841 the present counties of Gentry and Worth were set apart
from Clinton County, located and named Gentry County but was not
organized till 1845. In 1861 Worth County was detached from Gentry
County, leaving the County its present dimensions, 24 miles long, north
and south, and 20A miles wide, east and west. Located specifically, as
townships, 61,62,63,64, in ranges 30, 31 and 32 and 2h miles on the
east side of the same townships in range 33. The western boundary
being the old state line, definitely fixed by act of 1845.
Colonel Richard Gentry, whose honored name is borne by the
county, was probably a native of Missouri and of Boone County, where
he was living in 1836, at the outbreak of the Florida War. He raised a
volunteer regiment for service in that war and led them with devotion
and honor to the field of Okeechobee, where at the moment of promised
victory, he received a mortal wound, but for an hour, in the face of
death, he directed and cheered his troops to final triumph. The same
night his brave spirit passed to a hero's reward. In 1842 his regimental
flag was presented by the state with all appropriate honors to his widow.
Gentry County is bounded on the north by Worth County, on the
east by Han-ison and Daviess Counties, on the south by DeKalb County,
and on the west by Andrew and Nodaway Counties, and lies just above
the 40th degree of North latitude, and in Longitude 17 degrees west
from Washington. Most of the county is watered by Grand River —
East, West and Middle forks and tributaries. In the extreme southwest
begins the Platte River slope.
CHAPTER III.
NATURAL RESOURCES AND TOPOGRAPHY.
WHAT CONSTITUTES NATURAL RESOURCES-AVAILABLE AND POTENTIAl^-MIN-
ERAL SPRINGS— RAINFALL— PHYSICAL FEATURES— SCENERY AND SOIL— "A
L.\ND OF PROMISE'.
The natural resources of an undeveloped country include not only
what the first settlers saw, but also whatever they found — whatever
proved to their benefit or assistance in their struggle with the wilder-
ness, the location of groves for shelter, the quality and use of timber, for
fuel, building and implements, the abundant native grasses for grazing
and forage, such game as was native to the country, the fish of its
streams and the natural sources of good water, the stone for foundation
work, the temperature, the rain fall and the quality of the soil. For
none of these things did the pioneers bring with them. Gentry County
with 60,000 acres of scattered groves and forests, was hospitable to the
and abundance of fuel, with excellent oak for building, walnut for fur-
niture and hickory for implements. Gentry County was also rich in
grass land for pasture and hay stack. The early settler could have his
wood lot at one hand and his cow lot at the other. As to game, if the
earliest comers had the greater loneliness and the more privations, they
also had more venison, more turkeys, grouse and pheasants, and possibly
more time for fishing. They also found a well watered country, rivers,
creeks, and springs, enough for all, distributed over the entire county.
They found limestone for all necessary uses. They found a growing cli-
mate, a sufficient rainfall and a responsive soil. Live stock throve and
crops were abundant. Food for man and beast became plentiful.
Thus it will be seen that Gentry County, in common with all North-
west Missouri, was rich in resources quickly available to the early set-
tler, while the potential resources native to the county, were beyond any
power of estimation possible to the first residents. What could they
know of timothy, of red clover, of blue grass, of high class stock, of
creamery and poultry shipments? To those natural resources which
218 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
aided the settlers in their plans for permanent occupation, should be
added some that tended to relieve pioneer life from monotony and to im-
part to it a sporting flavor, as the locating of her trees, the gathering
of wild fruits and nuts, and the hunting and trapping of fur bearing ani-
mals. Though this phase of life has little to do with permanent civiliza-
tion, it was probably very interesting and pi'ofitable, since it seems a
trustworthy conclusion that the region was early relieved of any inroads
from Indian hunters.
While not of interest to early settlers, Gentry County possesses fine
mineral and medicinal springs.
The average yearly rainfall and melted snow is 36.62 inches, dis-
tributed by seasons as follows: winter 5.25 inches, spring 9.25 inches,
summer 14.50, autumn 7.62.
The physical features of Gentry County are pleasing to the eye, and
very favorable to all agricultural pursuits. There are three classes of
land ; river bottoms, the breaks or broken hills, and back of the broken
lands are large areas of higher undulating prairie — ideal land for gen-
eral farming.
At many points of elevation the views are far reaching and unsur-
passed in their blending of streams, timber and rolling hills, in all their
native beauty. The slopes are usually long and moderate and the nat-
ural drainage is everywhere so sufficient that but a negligible part of
Gentry County could ever have been classed as water or swamp lands.
The soil is everywhere, a rich black loam with excellent clay subsoil.
The prairie carried a heavier covering of rich top soil than did the tim-
bered lands.
This is what the early settlers beheld; a rich soil, an open country,
ready for subjection, and promising both speedy and enduring rewards
to the labor and intelligence of civilized man. The native woods and for-
ests covered the fifth part of the county's extent — so well distributed
that no part seemed naked. To the pioneers of vision it probably
appeared a land of promise, a place of splendid possibilities, an empire
of opportunities, where one could work in hope, and where dreams
might come true. With all its natural resources it was still a wilderness,
producing nothing for the comfort and progress of humanity.
CHAPTER IV.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
NONE OF THE FIRST SETTLERS NOW LIVING— CONQUEST OF THE NINETEENTH
CENTURY— WHAT THE PIONEERS BROUGHT— THEIR AMBITIONS— SETTLEMENT
BEGAN IN 1S34— FIRST SETTLERS— OTHER SETTLERS— FIRST SCHOOI^-FIRST
POSTOFFICE— FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN COUNTY— FIRST CHURCH— EARLY
PREACHERS.
After 88 years, it is naturally impossible that any of the first set-
tlers should still be living — The History of 1882 was prepared while
Isaac Miller, one of the first four was still a resident of the county. At
that time the leading facts could easily be verified. Logically the His-
tory of 1882 is the basis of authentic first things.
From the dawn of history, families, tribes, communities, and nations
have taken keen delight in all facts and traditions concerning their ori-
gin, and early development.
In the larger sense the settlement and growth of Gentry County is
part and parcel of that great immigration and conquest of the 19th cen-
tury which followed as a natural result of the independence of the
United States. The strong and resolute swarmed westward to subdue
and occupy the Valley of the Mississippi and its tributaries. Gladstone
declared it, "The greatest peaceful monument of Civilized Man, to the
greatest tract of fertile land on the face of the Earth."
The present generation is close enough to this great beginning to
have interests, many and varied and often personal, apart from that
which is merly historical. It is possible to know whence we came, how
we were derived, why we are what we are. It is possible, in considering
the beginning of things less than 90 years ago in the wilds of Gentry
County, to trace the influence of Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky.
Other influences are as easily and definitely traced. If the pioneers
came with empty hands, they came with sound minds and strong hearts.
They brought the experience of ages of struggle and progress and
mental and moral attainments that go to explain their speedy and mar-
velous successes.
220 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Each pioneer held one personal ambition — to win a home and the
means of its maintenance, of this he was conscious. But in the mass the
pioneers were part of something great, something racial and something
national. They were empire builders.
The county is divided at the present time into eight municipal town-
ships, as follows; Miller, Athens, Howard, Bogle, Wilson, Huggins,
Cooper and Jackson. Settlement began in the spring of 1834, 11 years
before the organization of the county. In this year came four men,
Isaac and Tobias Miller, William Marton and John Roberts, natives of
Kentucky and Tennessee, locating in what is now known as Miller
Township at Greenwell Ford. With them this same year are associated
the names of two others, David Henderson and Robert Ready. They
raised a crop of corn on the north bank of Grand River.
In 1835 the second settlement was made, also in Miller Township
near what is now known as Gentryville, when John Gulp, Benjamin Gulp
and Elisha Gameron from Tennessee and Milton Foster from Kentucky,
with some others from the same states located in the township.
In 1838, the first store was opened by a Mr. Stevenson, three miles
northeast of Gentryville. Also in 1838, the first mill in the county was
erected by Taylor McCully, four miles east of Gentryville.
In 1836 Daniel Saunders from North Carolina settled in Athens
Township, two miles south of Albany, at Sandsville.
The first settlers usually selected timber land for homes and for cul-
tivation. Most of them came from old forest regions, and all traditions
were in favor of cleared land in preference to prairie.
As early as 1836, settlers began to arrive in ever increasing num-
bers, and by the time of county organization, in 1845, over two hundred
prominent name.s — heads of families — were added to the few forerun-
ners of 1834-35-36.
In 1838 the first school house was built, east of Gentryville, in the
neighborhood of John D. Burbon and Jacob Jones. John Githius taught
the first school during the winter of 1838-39. It was a log building 20
feet square with puncheon floor and roofed with clapboards; in place
of a window a log was left out on one side, and the space covered with
greased paper.
In 1838 the first postoffice was established at Sandsville, two miles
south of Albany. Daniel Saunders was postmaster and the mail was car-
ried from Sandsville to Plattsburg, Clinton County by Levi Baldock, con-
tractor.
In 1939 the first white child was born in the county, named Nancy
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 221
M. Miller, daughter of Isaac Miller. She became the wife of W. P.
Gartin.
In 1840 the first water mill was built at Gentryville by Charles Gay
and John T. Hunter. It was a log house with one run of buhr stones.
The mill stones were chipped from native "Nigger Head" rocks by
Joshua Potter, a pioneer citizen. This location was first called Gay's
mill. The oldest town of the county grew up around it, and was for a
time called Columbus. In 1850 the Legislature changed the name to the
present name, Gentryville.
In 1842, four miles east of Gentryville, the first church house was
built by James C. Patton and others. The denomination was New School
Presbyterian (Mount Zion, or Brushy), but the building was free to all
denominations, and was used by Methodists, Baptists and Christians.
The earliest preachers were John Udell and Hiram Wariner, Chris-
tians; Lorenzo D. Waugh, Methodist; and Timothy Morgan, Pres-
byterian.
In 1845 the county was organized and the first court house built.
April 3rd, 1845 — first marriage, Abraham Popples and Barbara
Rhudy.
CHAPTER V.
PIONEER LIFE.
REMINISCENT AND TRADITIONAL — THE PIONEER'S HOME — IMPLEMENTS — HIS
TRIALS AND PRIVATIONS— SCARCITY OF NECESSITIES— BUILDING THE LOG
CABIN— THE CRUDE FURNITURE— COMMUNITY SPIRIT— PASTIMES— GAME AND
FISH— THE BLACKSMITH— GRISTMILL AND TRADING POST.
Pioneer life when fairly treated is of deepest interest to all who
come after. Direct history records what they did and its results. This
chapter, somewhat different, should tell how they did it. It should
intimately and sympathetically enter into their daily life with its labor,
patience, self-denial, handicaps, sufferings, its successes, its personal
gladness, its neighborhood pleasures and its community achievements.
There is a sort of cumulative glamour attached to the reminiscen-
ces and traditions of the first year of pioneer experience. The personal
triumphs are recalled and related, the anniversaries and various assem-
blings are in a manner relived again and again. All that was fine, joy-
ous, successful, is preserved; much that was otherwise is dropped if not
forgotten. It is therefore highly proper that the actual should be placed
side by side with the more pleasurable traditional.
The pioneer, at his winter fireside, with his family about him is indeed
a cheerful prospect. The cheeriness of the picture contrasts agreeably
with the crudeness of his cabin and its meagre furniture. However, but
little of his life was spent at that cheerful fireside. His labor was heavy,
and often vexatious. His days were slow and lonely. The immediate
results were so slender that he was often discouraged. His implements
were clumsy makeshifts, his motive power limited. He could only
dream of the tools and teams he would like to have. The "good time
coming" seemed very far off. If he had a journey to make, it was a ser-
ious matter. The imperfect trail would stretch itself, the hours would
drag and the team would weary. He felt the discomfort of cold or heat,
and the pangs of hunger. If a bridge were out, or a ford swollen, the
delay would take his thoughts to the folks at home. Gloomy question-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 223
ings would beset his mind and heart. When could he reach home?
What were the folks thinking? Would they be afraid? Would they
worry? Were they safe? Reaching home at last, he might be weather-
worn and fatigued, until exhaustion rendered enjoyment impossible.
To many pioneers, it was an endless grind of toil, endurance, plain
feeding and solid slumber. His brave, patient helpmeet, likewise, had
much of loneliness. Perhaps she spent happy, hopeful hours helping
with outside efforts, but in the cabin, alone or with infant children, how
many hours of brooding solitude were hers. She too must dream of
comforts for which her woman's soul was longing, so little that was con-
venient and encouraging, so little beauty, so much plainness. The wild-
erness without, frugality within. No neighbors within hailing distance,
fewest of books, no magazines, a stray newspaper at odd times, per-
haps twice a year tidings came from the old home, or from friends in
other settlements. Little wonder that the dear old faces seem engraved
with half a century of exile. There was sickness too, also death. Chills
and fever, ague, that did not often kill, but always blighted, stealing
energy, hope and happiness. It was often the woman's lot. to watch
the slow course of disappearing vitality, or with shrinking heart to
behold the swift work of malignant disease. At times the able were so
few and scattered they could but half attend the unable. At all such
times the women, sensing what was lacking more clearly than the man,
womankind suffered more.
Again and again in those early years there were lean seasons, spells
of scarcity. Something had broken the ordinary run of things. Bad luck
would bring the wolf to the door, and encourage him to wait and watch.
The reason might be any one of many. The man of the house might be
ailing and laid up, at a critical time in the crop season. He might meet
with an accident and broken limbs. The sickness of wife and children
might consume his whole time and energy. The straying of stock might
greatly delay him. Sometimes the strayed stock was not recovered. The
result would be tragic. The loss of only one cow, dead, strayed or
stolen, would bring a sense of panic to the housewife, and deepest gloom
to the children. During such seasons of privation, it is incredible how
the craving for certain articles of food would grow in the thoughts of the
family as they divided their meagre rations. This craving might be for
salt side-meat, for cheese or for butter, or it might be a longing for
pickles. But it would be very vivid and terribly persistent. It is related
in the chronicles of De Soto's followers, after they had crossed the Mis-
sissippi and before they found the salt springs on White River, that a
soldier one day cried out, "Oh, if I could only have just one slice of meat
224 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
with salt, I could be patient." He voiced a longing that first, last or
between times, has gripped every man, woman and child among the
pioneers.
It is right that these first great costs of our inheritance should be
remembered. We are the heirs of a conquest that was truly fine in the
elements of labor, patience, and heroic endurance. With a deep sense
of the multiplied obligations thus created, we turn with gratitude to all
that was pleasurable and prosperous in the experience of these honored
fathers and mothers of the early days. When youth, vitality, and energy
come face to face with opportunity, hope springs at once to fullgrown
strength. Anticipation flushes the heart, and the mind puts the hands
to work. The early settler found a wilderness. There was no house,
but the family could build a home; humble as it might be there was the
hope of better ahead. There were no fields, but they could enclose and
clear. If the labor was heavy, it was for themselves and their children
they were working. Hope and faith were shining to cheer them onward.
The first homes were not the log cabin of usual build. They are
best described as shelter, whatever the newcomer could devise, what-
ever he could throw together with his own hands, a place to stay, tem-
porary quarters. The wagon cover might be part with poles and bark,
picturesque but not permanent. In some cases there flimsy shelters were
used much longer than was first intended. Soon, however, the typical,
strong built, permanent log cabin appeared. This meant more than one
or two men's work. The settler selected his trees, felled and cut them
into lengths. Then a small boy, if one there was, and a yoke of oxen
snaked them to the desired location, and all was ready for the "Raising."
"The cabins were of round logs, notched together at the corners,
ribbed with poles, and covered with boards split from a tree. A punch-
eon floor was then laid down, a hole cut in the end and a stick chimney
run up. A clapboard door was made; a window was opened by cut-
ting out a hole in the side or end, two feet square, finished without glass,
often with greased paper for transparency. The chinking between the
logs held the mud with which it was daubed. The roof might be clap-
boards, bark or thatch, and the house was ready."
Skill, as always, was at a premium. It was a proud day in the life
of a stripling or youth when at a "raisin" he was first allowed to "carry
a corner," as the notching was styled. At his first effort he was allowed
one misfit, or renotching to make the fit. The second mistake disquali-
fied him for that day. The writer, then under 17, carried his first corner
to the top, renotching but once.
The one legged bedstead could only be made in a corner of the
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 225
cabin, but the two legged table could be adjusted most any place.
Shelves were easy and pegs abundant, while the cross poles which sus-
tained the floor of the loft were made to do duty for whatever might be
hung up. Peg-leg benches took the place of chairs. Pots, pans and skil-
lets were hung about the fireplace, all without nails or bolts. The
auger was mighty in those days. Thus was the home made ready.
The raising of the cabin was a social event for the entire neighbor-
hood. Every man and boy wanted to be present. They gathered early
and with much chaffing and up to date slang, they got busy. It was the
aim of all that the "heft" of the work should be completed in time for a
one or two o'clock dinner, at least the unskilled labor should be finished ;
only the deft finishing touches were left for after dinner. The main
body of the gathering must be free for play. Always there were wives
and sisters in numbers sufficient to make the big dinner a matter of easy
and merry achievement for the ladies assembled. The day recalled
happy memories in the hearts of the older ones, while the younger were
laying the foundation of future memories of their own. The bashful
youth had his moment of supreme daring, and the clever damsel found
her chance for sweet graciousness in a manner so casual as to deceive
the very expert. If, in the main, human happiness is pretty evenly bal-
anced, so is wisdom pretty evenly distributed. "Wisdom is justified of
her children," measured by this standard, the generation that built log
cabins, classes right along with almost any other.
The cabin raising was a typical occasion. It was just one phase of
that community spirit which was more fully shared by all the inhabi-
tants than is povssible in the fuller development which follows pioneer
life. They had so much in common. They were all poor together, all
working for a similar purpose. Each one needed the support of all the
rest. Only as they gave mutual assistance could any of them succeed.
For peace, for protection, for happiness, for success, none of them lived,
or could live, unto himself. This community of interest and of sentiment,
produced a hospitality and a fellowship, which is the admiration of the
generations that follow.
A writer forty years closer to these first things puts the case with
great clearness. "It was a time of self reliance and brave, persevering
toil, of privations cheerfully endured, and the experience of one settler
was practically that of every other; all faced the same hardships. They
stood on an equal footing. There were no castes. Aristocratic preten-
tions did not exist and would not have been tolerated. The only nobility
was the nobility of generosity. The bond of sympathy was the con-
sciousness of common hardships." They were sensitive to each others
226 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
needs and misfortunes. They needed no urging to help in time of
trouble. The victim of storm or fire was speedily and cheerfully re-
stored to the general equality in all he had lost. The restoration was as
prompt as if ties of blood were in force.
Neighbors were on the best of terms; envy, jealousy and strife had
no place among them. They were a little world, or a large family, far
removed from the great world of the East. To quote again: "This
general state of feeling among the pioneers was by no means peculiar to
Gentry County, although it was strongly illustrated here. It prevailed
generally throughout the West, during the time of early settlement.
The very nature of things taught the settlers the necessity of dwelling
together in all good will. It was their only protection. They had come
far away from a well established reign of law, and entered a new
country where the civil authority was still feeble and totally unable to
afford protection and redress grievances. Here the settlers lived some
little time before there was an officer of the law in the country. Each
man's protection was in the good will and friendship of those about
him, and the thing any man might well dread was the ill will of the
community. It was more terrible than law. It was no uncommon thing
in the early times for hardened men who had no fears of jails or
penitentiaries to stand in great fear of the indignation of a pioneer
community." This community spirit was intensely practical. If one
neighbor killed a beef, a pig, or a deer, he shared with the rest. A
writer of 1882 laments the speedy passing of this communal interest, and
disparages the cold, selfish, calculating orderliness which had even then
taken place. In 1922 his criticism is better understood. In the early
times there was the occasional ne'er-do-well who failed to kill his beef,
pig, or deer, in his turn, and it was a joke to be winked at. But progress
and industry while tolerating such individuals, cannot encourage them.
Such people make a visible difference between themselves and the gen-
eral run of which they are usually the first to complain.
The common heart of Gentry County is as kind and generous today
as it was in 1850. The unfortunate and afflicted, receive sincere sympa-
thy and ready assistance, and the care of them is more effectual and con-
tinuous than was possible seventy years ago.
The pleasures of those early days were carried with a whole
hearted enthusiasm, almost beyond our present comprehension. The
shooting match when it occurred had the whole field to itself. The last
quilting was over and gone, the nest fish fry was not yet dated. The
same was true of each recreation in its turn. For the time being each
was all in all. The question is often asked why we do not have such
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 227
spelling schools and such religious revivals as in the early days. The
answer is this. No one bit of knowledge can now enthuse the whole
people. We are learning scores of things. Neither can any one senti-
ment, no matter how sacred, ever again dominate the emotions of an
entire community. Progress implies an increasing number of interesting
aims and purposes. In the nature of things they compete one with
another. The result should be a well balanced civilization.
Physical well being no longer means a periodic abundance of good
things after long periods of scant tables; but a sane and continuous
enjoyment of sufficient food in comfortable homes. Education no longer
means an occasional triumph of memory, but a universal distribution of
useful and entertaining knowledge that sweetens and dignifies every
day life. Religion no longer means a season of annual exalted emotion,
but a settled conviction of endeavor after righteousness, with an abiding
sense of God's power and goodness, and daily offerings of praise and
gratitude.
Anything, which offered to break the monotony of pioneer isola-
tion, was welcome, and the most was made of it. They even invented
diversions which had no other purpose. One community had this annual
custom, sometime during roasting ear season. The whole family would
load up and drive for miles, until they found a corn field whose owner
they did not know. There they would camp, gather corn for a roasting,
carefully extract a rail or two without greatly harming the fence, and
preceed to feast. If the owner happened along, he "threw in" with them
and got acquainted.
The settlers had game and fish in abundance and variety. Turkey,
geese, duck, prairie chickens, pheasants, quails. Also butter, honey,
and lard. Of what use are the latter without bread ? Above many things,
they wanted bread. As roasting ear season passed, they grated corn and
made fritter cakes. Lard for the griddle, butter for the fritter cake, and
honey for the trimming. They had hand mills, and hominy blocks and
horse mills. All these meant bread more or less, before water grist
mills came into use. No doubt it tasted fine and went well with flesh,
fowl and fish. Beeswax, coonskins and other peltry were their first
trade commodities. Money was not; trade was everything; even the
postmaster accepted coonskins for postage.
Let no one imagine that pioneer life lacked established customs.
The game, whether of work or of play, had its rules, and those who took
part mu.st mind the rules. The Anglo-Saxon spirit of fair play pervaded
all activity. At quilting bees, each man must pay a dollar in money, or
split a hundred rails. As dollars were scarce, the men usually worked
228 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
on the logs while the ladies quilted. The party in the evening would be
full of life and zest. Music and dancing might last till day break. Then
came the hazardous task of seeing the ladies "safe home." The "mitten,"
a pet among some of the young ladies, was dreaded by the young men as
a most vicious varmit. Strange to say, if a youth caught one, he never
boasted.
"The smith, a mighty man is he," was not written of any pioneer
and for some reason earlier histories have neglected him. There can be
no doubt that the blacksmith's shop was an early fact, ranking with
grist mills and trading posts. The implements of the early farmers in
their many imperfections must often have gone to the smith. Happy
was that neighborhood when the mill, the store, and the shop were
grouped. Such was not always the case, and the pioneer less favored
had before him the possible necessity of a journey in two or three direc-
tions. Going to mill or the store might be postponed during spells of bad
weather. When it could no longer be put off, the weather might even
turn worse. Many are the tales told of long waiting at the mill or the
smithy, of high water, and lost bridges, and of all-night drives.
As time passed "Old Settlers Day," came into vogue, specially
designed to cherish these memories. They were also preserved in many
other ways. As the number of pioneers diminished, the survivors be-
came notable persons at all picnics and community gatherings. Each
one representing something particular and personal. As more time
elapsed the sons and daughters of first settlers had their place in help-
ing to perpetuate these lovable traditions of early experience.
CHAPTER VI.
FIRST COURTS.
MET IN 1845— OFFICERS APPOINTEI>— BUSINESS TRANSACTED— CREATED SIX MUNIC-
IPAL TOWNSHIPS— FIRST PETITION FILED IN CIRCUT COURT— EARLY RECORDS
—RECORD BOOK STILL IN EXISTENCE.
The first county court of Gentry County met on the 5th day of
May, 1845, at the house of Daniel Sanders. The record is as follows:
"May 5th, A. D. 1845.
Be it remembered, that on the first Monday of May and the fifth
day of said month, in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred
and forty-five, the county court of the county aforesaid, met in pursu-
ance of law, at the house of Daniel Sanders, in Sandsville, in said
county, the place designated by law for holding courts in the County of
Gentry aforesaid. Present, Michael Maltsberger, William Steel and
Samuel Collins, Esq'rs, county justices of said county, James M. Howell,
sheriff and George W. Birch, clerk ; when and where the following pro-
ceedings were had and done, to wit; Michael Maltsberger, William Steel
and Samuel Collins present their commissions from the Governor, under
seal of the state, appointing them justices of this court, who thereupon
took the oath of office required by law.
Whereupon the court was opened by proclamation by the sheriff;
then the said court proceeded to elect Michael Maltsberger, Esq., one
of their body as president of the said court.
The court appoints George W. Birch as clerk pro tem of this court,
who thereupon enters into bond according to law, for faithful per-
formance of said trust, in the sum of five thousand dollars with Peter
Culp, Daniel Sanders, John Gulp, Gideon Wright and Christopher F.
Bartlay as his security, which is approved by the court, and thereupon
said George W. Birch takes the oath of office required by law.
James M. Howell, the sheriff, filed his bond as collector of the
county. John Huggins was appointed assessor; John Plaster, surveyor;
John B. Hundley, treasurer, and Elisha Perkins, coroner.
230 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
It was ordered by the court that the county seat, which had been
located by the commissioners, Ebenezer H. Wood and Armstrong
McClintock, be called Athens. The court then adjourned from the
house of Daniel Sanders to the house of William Daily, in the town of
Athens.
The above constituted the business of the county court the first
day. The other county commissioner was Stephen Jones.
On the 6th day of May, 1845, the court met again at the house of
William Daily in the town of Athens. The county was then divided
into six municipal townships, which were bounded and named as
follows:
Commencing at the southeast corner of the county proper, thence
running west with the county line to the southwest corner of said
county; thence north with said county line nine miles; thence east
across the county to the east boundary of said county; thence south
nine miles to the place of beginning, to be known and called Miller
Township ; place of voting at Gay's Mill.
Commencing at the northeast corner of the first township ; thence run-
ning with said township line to the west boundary of the County of Gentry ;
thence nine miles north, with the county line ; thence east across the county
to the east boundary of the county ; thence south nine miles to the place of
beginning, to be known and called Athens Township ; place of voting at the
seat of justice of said county.
Third Township — Commencing at the northeast corner of Athens
Township; thence west with the line of said township to the bank of the
East Fork of Grand River ; thence with the meanders of said river to the
north boundary of the said county proper; thence east with the county to
the northeast corner of said county; thence south with the county line to
the place of beginning, to be known and called Howard Township ; place of
voting at Lacy Carter's.
Fourth Township — Commencing at the southwest corner of the third
township ; thence with the line of the second township, to the west
boundary of the county; thence with the county line to the north bound-
ary of the third township; thence down the river with the meanders of
said river, to the place of beginning, to be called and known as Bogle
Township ; place of voting at Jason Bogle's.
The territory on the east side of the Middle Fork of Grand River, to
be known and called Allen Township ; place of voting at Sweems' Mill.
The territory on the west side of the Middle Fork of Grand River, to
be called and known as Green Township ; place of voting at Philip Norris'.
These townships have undergone many changes, since first organ-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 231
ized in 1845 ; two of them now constitute a part of Worth County. Since
then, the County of Gentry has been divided into eight municipal town-
ships, the names and boundaries of which we give when treating of the
history of the history of the townships proper.
Ebenezer H. Wood and Armstrong McClintock were allowed, respec-
tively, the sum of twenty-eight and twenty-four dollars, for their services
as commissioners in locating the county seat.
Elisha Cameron was appointed county seat commissioner.
Ebenezer H. Wood was appointed county attorney for twelve
months.
An orphan boy. named John Gay, was brought before the court and
Jonathan Mosier was appointed his guardian.
James M. Howell was appointed administrator of the estate of James
Baker, deceased.
A license to sell goods and merchandise was granted to E. P. Howell.
The court met again on the 7th day of May, when the following pro-
ceedings were had :
John Plaster was appointed a justice of the peace for Athens Town-
ship.
Elisha Cameron was ordered to advertise and sell a portion of the town
lots of Athens, on the 16th day of June, 1845, and was further ordered to
lay the town of Athens off into a public square, into lots, avenues, streets,
alleys, etc., the number of lots to be ninety-six.
The court then adjourned to meet on June 2, 1845.
Among other things done at the June term of court were the fol-
lowoing:
Ordered by the court that Elisha Cameron be appointed superintendent
for the County of Gentry, to superintend a final settlement between the
County of Clinton and the County of Gentry.
Elisha Cameron was also appointed to superintend the building of the
county jail at Athens.
William Bentley was made justice of the peace of Howard Township,
as was also John C. Williams.
John Plaster was appointed justice of the peace of Athens Township;
Walter Savage, also of Athens Township; Charles Claggett and John Fox,
of Athens Township; Aristippus Brown, of Mills Township; Jesse Lewis,
of Green Township; 0. H. Sweem, of Allen Township.
John Plaster was allowed ten dollars for surveying a portion of the
county seat.
Levi Baldock was allowed three dollars, as axman, in the survey of the
county seat.
232 HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Elisha Cameron was allowed four dollars, as flagman, during the sur-
vey.
Samuel H. O. Irvin was appointed constable of Athens Township;
William McNatt, constable of Miller Township; Archibald Ross, constable
of Howard Township.
The first Circuit Court was held at Athens, on March 12, 1846. Hon.
Solomon L. Leonard was the judge presiding. James M. Howell was sher-
iff; Elijah P. Howell, clerk; and Isaac N. Jones, circuit attorney.
The first petition filed in the Circuit Court of Gentry County, was
that of William Smith vs. A. Higgins, and reads as follows :
Gentry Circuit Court, September Term, A. D., 1845.
William Smith, by his attorney, Ebenezer H. Wood, complains of Al-
fred Higgins in a plea of trespass, for that the said Alfred Higgins, on the
7th day of July, A. D. 1845, at the County of Gentry and State of Missouri,
with force and arms in and upon the said William Smith, made an assault,
and him then and there beat, bruised, wounded and evil entreated and other
enormities to the said William Smith, the said Alfred Higgins then and
there did against the peace and to the damage of the said William Smith,
fifteen hundred dollars, and thereupon he brings his suit, etc. By his at-
torney. E. H. WOOD.
On the back of said petition are the following endorsements:
"William Smith vs. A. Higgins. Trespass. Damage, $1,500.
Filed August 18, A. D. 1845. E. P. HOWELL, Clerk."
"The clerk of the Circuit Court in and for the County of Gentry and
State of Missouri, will please issue a summons, returnable at the next term
of this court, August 18, 1845. E. H. WOOD,
Attorney for Plaintiff."
I certify that I executed the within writ and declaration, by leaving
a copy of the same with the wife of the defendant, at the residence of Al-
fred Higgins, as the law directs, on the 21st day of August, A. D., 1845.
JAMES M. HOWELL, Sheriff."
The first case that came before the grand jury for investigation was
the State of Missouri vs. John K. Kennedy, charged with the murder of his
wife, in Athens Township. The papers in the case were filed March 12,
1846.
The first grand jurors were Richard Cheneworth, Elijah Carter, Wil-
liam Green, Isaac N. Carson, Nathaniel Mothersead, John Q. Smith, David
Buckridge, James C. Patton, Abel Yates, Jefferson Taliaferro, James M.
Marrs, John Job, Adam Black, Henry P. Hiller, Franklin W. Seats, and
John Plaster.
The following is a record of some of the first marriages in the county :
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 233
I, W. Bentley, a justice of the peace, within and for the county afore-
said, do certify that on the third day of April, 1845, I joined in marriage
Abraham Peppels and Barbara Rhudy.
Given under my hand this 3d day of April, 1845.
W. BENTLEY, J. P.
I, W. Bentley, a justice of the peace, within and for the county afore-
said, do certify that on the first day of May, 1845, I joined in marriage An-
drew Keer and Jane Castor.
Given under my hand this first day of May, 1845.
W. BENTLEY, J. P.
I, W. Bentley, a justice of the peace, within and for the county
aforesaid, do certify that on the 29th day of May, 1845, I joined in mar-
riage Samson Castor and Martha Ross.
Given under my hand this 29th day of May, 1845.
W. BENTLEY, J. P.
This is to certify that the undersigned, ordained minister of the gos-
pel, did, on July the 14th, 1845, solemnize the rites of matrimony be-
tween Mr. Daniel M. Thomas and Miss Susan Jane Low.
TIMOTHY MORGAN.
I, Abraham S. Weese, a justice of the peace, within and for the
county aforesaid, do certify that on the 7th day of August, 1845, I joined
together in marriage Alexander Smith to Susan Adams.
Given under my hand this 7th day of November, 1845.
A. WEESE, J. P.
I hereby certify, that on the 3d day of November, A. D. 1845, I sol-
emnized a marriage between Rev. Timothy Morgan and Miss Belinda J.
Patton, both of said county.
Given under my hand this 3d day of November, 1845.
E. A. CARSON,
An Ordained Minister of the Gospel.
This is to certify that I, Zachariah Linville, an ordained minister of
the gospel, did, on the 19th day of June, 1845, unite in matrimony James
S. Leverich and Elizabeth Burton, according to law.
Given under my hand this 24th day of December, 1845.
ZACHARIAH LINVILLE.
During the year 1845, fourteen marriages were recorded.
The original real estate records are still in existence. The book in
which they are recorded contains 413 pages, and although its leaves
have become yellowed and soiled by time, it is in a good state of preser-
vation. Here are found, promiscuously recorded, mortgages, bills of
sale, chattel mortgages, powers of attorney, indentures of apprentice-
234 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
ship, warranty deeds, etc. The character of the penmanship and the or-
thography are generally good. Bills of sale, mortgages, and deeds, were
in early times usually drawn up by justices of the peace, who, while they
were men of good judgment, of unimpeachable integrity, were fre-
quently unlearned and unlettered, as nearly all the early records testify,
yet the early records of Gentry County are generally an exception to this
rule. The fact must not be lost sight of, however, that the early officials
of the newly organized counties in this western county, were hardy back-
woodsmen, whose continual struggle for a livelihood precluded the pos-
sibility of devoting any time to self culture.
CHAPTER VII.
COUNTY BUILDINGS.
COl/KTHOUSE— JAII>— COINTY FARM BUILDINGS.
The second Court House was wrecked by a violent windstorm from
the north on July 13, 1883, a storm of considerable extent and destruc-
tion. The uper story collapsed and the lower rooms were a wreck of
brick and mortar. Fortunately the various records were not seriously
injured and a watch was kept over the ruins until all valuable papers
could be placed in safety.
On July 16th an order of the Court placed the records of the circuit
court, the probate court in the sheriff's office in the block at northeast
corner of court house square. At the same time the records of the county
clerk were placed in the Peery Block at northwest comer of court house
square. These buildings being deemed safe as well as convenient.
Immediately agitation began for the removal of the seat of justice
to the center of the county. As a result, the first petition, Sept. 4, 1883,
for a new court house to be built in Albany, came to nothing.
On May 7, 1884, the county court made an order for the erection of
a court house and appointed L. H. Peery and S. W. Clark to procure
plans and specifications and estimates of costs for approval of the court,
and when so approved to proceed to have the buildings erected. In the
meantime a large number of citizens were working vigorously for the
removal of the county seat, and on June 2, 1884, a motion was filed ask-
ing that the court order of May 7th be annulled. This motion was over-
ruled by the court.
On June 3, 1884, L. H. Peery and S. W. Clark reported progress in
accordance with the court order of May 7, 1884. The report was made
of record and is as follows: Comes now L. H. Peery and S. W. Clark,
superintendents, appointed and qualified at the May term, 1884, of this
court, to build a court house at the established seat of justice. Gentry
County, and submit plans and specifications, and the court approves the
plans prepared by the architects.
236 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
The superintendents, the said Peery and Clark, advertised the let-
ting of the court house on June 26, 1884, in the Albany Ledger, the Al-
bany Memoranda, St. Joseph Daily Gazette, the St. Joseph Daily Her-
ald and the Omaha Bee, said letting to be in parts. At the letting Rufus
K. AJlen of St. Joseph, was the lowest and best bidder for enclosing,
roofing and finishing the outside of said building for $22,000.00 and the
work was let to him to be completed on or before Dec, 1, 1884; $15,-
000.00 to be paid by Gentry County, and the balance of $7,000.00 to be
paid by the citizens of Albany, L. H. Peery and S. W. Clark, Superin-
tendents. All of which was considered and approved by by the Court.
The contract and bond were also approved and placed on file.
The wreckage of the old court house including the foundation, was
removed, and the work of building a new court house on the same
ground was commenced July 18, 1884. The work was carried forward
as rapidly as possible.
The opposition was also busy. On August 6, 1884, C. M. Gorman
and others in sufficient numbers filed a petition for an election, for the
purpose of submitting a proposition to remove the seat of justice to the
center of the county. Accordingly, the court made an order that the
proposition be voted on at the next general election, Nov., 4, 1884, and
that the county clerk give notice thereof by advertisement according to
law. The result was so decidedly against the proposition as to be con-
sidered a final settlement of the question. The order for an election did
not delay the work, and on the 24th of August, about one month after
the brick work was begun, the corner stone was laid in the presence of
the greatest crowd assembled in Albany up to that time.
For the first time in the history of Albany, the Missouri Grand
Lodge A. F. & A. M. was called to order by Hon. A. M. Dockery at 12 :30
o'clock in the Albany lodge room. The following were the officers of the
Grand Lodge acting on this occasion: A. M. Dockery, G. M.; Hugh Ste-
venson, G. S. W. ; J. T. Dunn, G. J. W. ; G. P. Bigelow, D. D. G. M. The
Lodge was formed in the hall, and marched down to the street, when it
was joined by the Commandery, G. A. R. Post, the A. 0. U. W., and the
Knights of Pythias. The line of march was taken up, and headed by the
Bethany band, the procession mover around several adjacent squares,
marching into the court house yard at the southeast corner, forming as
near as possible a hollow square at the northeast corner of the new
building.
The stone had been swung into position by a derrick, and after
prayer by Rev. J. A. Blakey, the ceremonies proper were performed,
and the stone lowered into its resting place, there perhaps to remain for
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 237
many generations to come. Although the crowd was large there was not
a jar of discord to mar the occasion. A cavity was cut out of the stone,
into which was fitted a copper box, as a receptacle for articles to be de-
posited as historical relics of future generations.
The following was a partial list of the deposits: A list of the sub-
scribers and the amount subscribed by each for the erection of the court
house; cards of invitation to the corner stone ceremony; a history of the
Girls Wide Awake Club ; a copy of the city ordinances of the City of Al-
bany; a copy of the Albany Weekly Ledger; archives of the Albany M.
E. Church ; copies of the orders of county court, pertaining to the build-
ing of the court house ; silver shield pin, by J. R. Saunders; coin of S. W.
Clark, marked "S. W. C." ; family record of C. S. Canaday; copy of the
Albany Sun, containing an account of the storm that destroyed the old
court house by J. M. Davis; by the A. O. U. W., a silver anchor and
shield, and constitution and by-laws and list of members; archives of
the Christian Church, Albany; English coin by R. L. Whaley; card by
C. B. Hinkley; list of members of the Gentry County Bar Association;
copy of King City Chronicle; premium list Gentry County Fair Associa-
tion, 1884; list of members of Island City Lodge, No. 109 A. F. & A. M.,
at Stanberry; archives of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Al-
bany; copy of the Home Guide, by Hubbard and Hubbard ; list of mem-
bers and by-laws of Lodge No. 195, I. O. O. F., Albany; engraved silver
coin by L. H. Peery; archives of the M. E. Church, South, at Albany;
sentiments of Dr. J. L. Coffey ; list of members of Athens Lodge No. 127,
A. F. & A. M., Albany; archives of the Presbyterian Church, Albany;
copy of American Freeman; copy of the Bethany Broad Axe; copy of
Stanberry Sentinel ; Bible by Athens Lodge ; card, C. Crossan ; card, S.
P. Larmer; card by W. E. Alexander; archives of Gentry Post, G. A. R.,
Albany; engraved silver coin by J. W. Barkley; silver coin by C. C.
Byrne; family record by R. A. Scarborough; archives of Captain Little
Post, G. A. R. ; historj^ of Gentry County, Missouri; card of Patton, Cra-
mer and Austin; copy of memoranda; card of Thomas, McCullough &
Peery; by-laws of Bethany Commandery, K. T., Royal Arch Chapter
and A. F. & A. M. Lodges; Cumberland Presbyterian paper by C. M.
Boshart; coin by G. F. Peery; card by Jno. T. Haynes; card of G. W.
Combs; family record, Geo. Carlock; coin by C. T. Lyttle; coin by J. F.
Gulp, Jr. ; list of workmen employed in building court house.
The court house block is 200 feet square. The building is of substan-
tial build and symmetrical architecture with cupola, of usual brick with
stone pointing and slate roof, three stories high. The interior finish was
also let to R. K. Allen. The first floor is complete with halls and com-
238 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
modious office rooms with vaults. The second floor has the circuit court
room with all appropriate adjuncts. On its completion the new building
was accepted June 5, 1885, at a total cost of $29,100.00.
The block was also enclosed with ornamental iron fence, but in
time this gave place to permanent concrete walls with the 10 feet of
concrete pavement at their base, thus giving to the court house grounds
a pleasing elevation of several feet. In 1904 during the mayorality of
R. M. McCammon, the fair way of 60 feet around the court house square,
with its four intersections, was paved with vitrified brick.
As early as 1891, W. F. Greenlee and others proposed raising money
to equip the cupola with a fii'st class town clock, and some money was
raised. But the proposal was not cai-ried far at that time. About 1900,
the young ladies formed the "Town Clock Club." This club in several
agreeable ways raised most of the money needed. The city furnished a
small sum, and in 1902, the clock was installed, which strikes the hours
upon a splendid bell.
In 1906 the "White Way," with more than four score globes, was
extended around the Public Square ; thus assuring all desirable illumi-
nation.
Our court house and surroundings are complete, permanent and
pleasing.
The first court house of Gentry County was built in 1845. The plan
was submitted by Isaac Cameron, the commissioner of the county seat,
on the 2d day of June, 1845, as follows:
"A wall of hewed logs, twenty-four feet by twenty feet, of good
durable timber, two stories high, logs to be eight inches thick, and to
face ten inches in the middle; the upper story to be divided into three
rooms, to be covered in with joint shingle roof; a brick chimney with
two fire places; a stairway to the second storj'; two floors, the lower
laid with square joints, and the upper tongued and grooved; two doors
and two windows in the lower story, and one window and one door in
each of the upper rooms ; to be pointed with lime mortar, and a circle
bar and judge's bench made in the lower story; all to be done in a good,
woi'kmanlike manner."
The building stood upon lot number four, in block number two. It
was afterwards sold with the lot, to Judge Elias Parrot, for about $275.
On the 7th day of December, 1852, the county court made the fol-
lowing order in reference to the building of the second court house :
"It is ordered by the court here that a court house be built in the
town of Athens, the seat of justice of this county, and that the sum of
$5,000 be appropriated for the building thereof."
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 239
William M. Albin was appointed superintendent of the building.
On the 7th day of March, 1853, the court ordered that an additional
sum of $1,000 be appropriated toward the building of a court house.
The court also ordered that the county court borrow so much of the
road, canal, county improvement and common school fund as was neces-
sary to build the court house. This order was made in pursuance of a
petition, signed by a majority of the voters of the county, asking that
body to use the funds named above, and was authorized by an act of the
legislature, approved Feb. 24, 1853.
On the 5th day of July, 1853, the court ordered the levying of a tax
of one-fifth of one per cent., and a poll ta.x of 37 A cents on all persons
subject to state tax, to aid in the construction of the court house. Oct.
25, 1853, the court borrowed $621.61 from the internal improvement
fund, to pay the two first installments due on the court house. Dec. 6,
1853. the court borrowed $700. Miller R. Craig and Joseph Selecman
were paid the above amount of $700, as sub-contractors. March 6, 1854,
court borrowed $500. June 5, 1854, court borrowed $500. Nov. 15,
1854, court borrowed $500. July 13, 1855, court borrowed $500. Nov.
6, 1855, court borrowed $276. July 6, 1858, court borrowed $300. Dec.
23, 1858, court borrowed $741.25.
The court house was a brick building, 45x60 feet, and two stories in
height, the first story being 15 feet high and the second ten feet,, and a
portico on the south end 12 feet in width, extending the whole height of
the building. The court room was at first in the lower story, 40x45 feet,
with two small rooms at the south end, and a hall between. The upper
story was divided into four rooms for public hall and jury rooms. In
1875 the court house was remodeled, so as to arrange the second story
for the court room, with the oflRces below. Connected with the county
and circuit clerks offices was a fire-proof vault, in which are kept the
records.
In May, 1846, the county court ordered the building of a jail, and
Elisha Cameron was appointed commissioner to let and superintend the
building of the same, and he not qualifying, E. H. Wood was appointed
in his place. The jail was built in 1846 and 1847, and was a log building
about 24 feet square, built of hewn logs, with double walls, a space be-
ing left between the walls and timbers placed in an upright position
therein. It was two stories high, with an entrance from the ground to
the second .storj', and a trap-door in the floor of the second story as an
entrance to the first stoiy. The jail cost about $500, and was burned in
1850. The county had no jail thereafter till 1859, when a second jail
was erected on the northeast corner of the public square, Redmond
240 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Whitton being the contractor, for the sum of $3,230. This building was
about 20 feet square, the outside being brick and inside timber two
inches thick, and covered with iron bars, crossing each other and spiked
to the timber. It was two stories high, with same character of entrance
as the first jail. It was not a safe jail for prisoners. In the fall of 1874,
the county erected a third jail, at a cost of $11,500, the size of which is
96 feet square, built of brick, two stories high, with a basement.
The County Farm — The history of 1882 closed with Walter Glad-
stone, superintendent of the recently acquired farm in Bogle Township,
and its thousand dollar home for indigent poor.
Mr. Gladstone remained in charge for some time. By good manage-
ment he restored the run-down farm and produced most of the home sus-
tenance. By careful economy, he was able to keep the average number of
inmates in reasonable comfort. It was a great improvement on the sys-
tem of contracting or allowancing, which so long prevailed to the humilia-
tion of the county.
Wm. Loyd, C. A. Kennedy and other following superintendents effi-
ciently carried on the poor home until December, 1906, when it was burn-
ed. The inmates were then installed in a large hotel at Siloam Springs.
In December, 1908, this hotel was burned and again the unfortunate ones
were homeless. However, public sentiment was now fully arroused, and
the building of a suitable and permanent home had already been decreed,
which this second fire only served to hasten. The Albany Canning Fac-
tory was leased for a temporary home.
The farm in Bogle Township had been disposed of and on July 7, 1908,
a county farm was bought from Mary R. Monroe for $7500.00, in Section
36, two miles south of Albany, a splendid location.
At the general election Nov. 3, 1908, $20,000.00 bonds were voted for
building a county home. Nov. 1, 1911, $15,000.00 ten-year bonds were
sold. Dec. 13, 1911, the bid of Chas. Harrison for the building, except
plumbing and heating, was accepted at $11,995.00. F. B. Thompson se-
cured contract for plumbing and heating. Geo. R. Williams was super-
intendent of construction.
The members of the county court for 1911-'12 deserve great credit
for their zeal in providing funds and pushing the work of construction, and
for the intelligent care with which they looked after the county poor from
the time they took office until the opening of the new home in the fall of
1912. They were untiring, first, in having the money provided by direct
issue of bonds in accordance with the vote of 1908, instead of taking it
from the road and bridge funds, and second in their painstaking decisions
II
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 241
regarding plans, material and workmanship, by which Gentry County se-
cured one of the best constructed, most conveniently arranged, perfectly
equipped, and most comfortable homes for its indigent charges that can be
found in the state of Missouri.
Sept. 17, 1912, the county court made a tour of inspection. The work
was then practically complete, ready for the adjustment of a few minor
items, and a general cleanup for permanent occupancy.
The following description is as apt in this good year of 1922, as it
was in 1912..
The two-story section of the new home has been arranged for the
living rooms of the superintendent and his family, and the one-story
wings to the north and south are cut off into dormitories, sitting rooms
and special sleeping rooms for the inmates, while the west section of the
building has been especially erected for the kitchen and dining-rooms.
In the west section are also bath rooms for both male and female inmates
and in the main wings are separate toilet rooms for men and women.
A large boiler and pressure tank in the basement forces hot and cold
water to all parts of the building, and all the rooms and halls are heated by
the modern steam-heating plant which has been installed in the basement.
There is also a large laundry room in the basement, together with ample
storage room, should it ever be needed, some excellent rooms for inmates
could be arranged on the basement floor. The plumbing work and the
steam-heating plant are the best that the court could buy, and has been in-
stalled with the utmost care. Under the careful superintendency of Geo.
R. Williams, the carpentering, brick work and other details of construc-
tion have been so carefully handled that it is safe to say there is not a
public building in north Missouri that can show more careful workman-
ship that the new home. The large barn and chicken house have been
built with a view to permanency, and none of the work about the place
has been slighted.
The new home should be ample for the care of Gentry County's pau-
per charges for fifty years to come. It is located on one of the best tracts
of ground in this section ; is only about a mile from the geographical center
of the county ; is convenient to both the railroads and the county seat, and.
standing on one of the highest spots in this part of the county, commands
a view for miles in all directions.
Mr. Walter Brown is now the efficient superintendent.
CHAPTER VIII.
TOWNSHIPS.
ATHENS— BOGLE— COOPER— HOWARD— JACKSON— Hl'GGINS— MILLER— WILSON.
Athens Township, is bounded as follows : Beginning at the northeast
corner of section 1, township 63, range 30 ; thence west about seven miles
to the east fork of Grand River ; thence following the meanderings of said
river to the north line of section 23, township 63, range 31 ; thence west
about two miles to the middle fork of Grand River ; thence down said river
to the south line of section 13, township 62, range 31 ; thence east to the
Harrison County line; thence north nine miles to the place of beginning.
It contains 73.05 square miles.
Some of the early settlers of Athens Tow'nship were the following:
J. B. Kingsborough, Iri Orton, Alfred Orton, Robert Dubois and William
Green, all from Richland County, Ohio. In 1836, two of these parties
passed through this section, seeking a location, and had selected a mill-site
near the town of Gentryville. Being pleased with this western country,
they returned to Ohio, where they remained until the spring of 1838, when
they again left their homes in the East, in company with Dubois, Green
and Kingsborough above mentioned. Orton and Kingsborough came thru
on horseback to Peoria, Illinois, where they were rejoined by the others,
who had traveled by water. Here they purchased an outfit, coming the
balance of the way by land, in a two-horse wagon. The men were all
young and single, except Dubois, who was married, but left his family in
Ohio. They reached the neighborhood of Gentryville, on the evening of
June 12, 1838, stopping with William Martin, one of the earliest pioneeis
of the county. Here they sojourned during the summer, rented a few
acres of ground from Martin and planted it in corn. They afterwards lo-
cated in Athens Township, one and one half miles north of Albany, or
where the town of Athens was located — Kingsborough opening a farm.
Michael Maltsberger came from Tennessee, before the county was or-
ganized, and located three miles southeast of Albany, where he continued
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 243
to reside until his removal to Texas. Maltsberger was commissioned by
the Governor one of the first county court justices, and was one of the
three persons elected to that position at the election of 1846, the first elec-
tion held in the county. It was at his suggestion that the county seat was
called Athens, for the town of Athens, in McMinn County, Tennessee.
George K. and Benjamin Gulp came from Kentucky in the spring of
1835, and located on and near Jacob Miller's place, two miles west of Al-
bany. They came to Clay County, Mo., where they remained about one
year, and came from that county to Gentry, bringing all their worldly
goods on a horse.
Kelse and David Gulp came about the same time, settling also near
Albany.
Levi Baldock, another Kentuckian, settled one mile south of Albany.
Daniel Saunders, from North Carolina, located two miles south of Albany,
at Sandsville which was named after him. The county court of Gentry
County met for the first time in his cabin, and organized in May, 1846.
Daniel Saunders was the first postmaster in the county, being appointed
to that position about the year 1838. James, Simon and Stephen Lever-
ich, from Virginia, were among the early settlers, stopping in the neigh-
borhood of Sandsville.
Henry P. Miller was also from Virginia, and opened a farm adjoining
the townsite of Albany.
George Smith said when he and his brother came to Gentry County,
the Indians were here in large numbers, for two or three years, and that
wild game was in great abundance in every portion of the county. He
killed a large deer on the spot where the courthouse now stands.
John Q. Smith, from Kentucky, located about one mile northeast of the
town. Andrew J. Bulla, from Virginia, settled two miles northeast, and
Thomas Peery, also a Virginian, three miles northeast of Albany.
Samuel McKillen, from Scotland, Gideon Wright, from Clay County,
James B. Hunter, from New York and Ohio, Benjamin and Joseph Twedell
from Illinois, and Charles Rund from Austria, all located in the township
at an early day, and near the town of Athens, as it was then called.
Allen Meek, from Clay County, and at one time a soldier in the United
States Regular Army, was an early settler. Daniel Spainhower came from
Casey County, Kentucky, in 1884, settling about five miles northeast of
Albany, on what was known as the Hardin farm, where he remained
until 1852, when he moved onto a farm ten miles north of Albany, where
he continued to reside until 1874, when he came to Albany.
Caleb S. Canaday emigrated from Casey County, Ky., in 1828 to Illi-
244 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
nois to Morgan and Montgomery Counties, thence to Gentry County, Ath-
ens Township, in 1844, locating six miles northeast of Albany, where he
lived until 1872, when he became a resident of Albany. He was probate
judge of the county in 1872.
Elisha Cameron came among the earliest. He was a prominent and
influential citizen of the county, and filled numerous positions of honor and
trust, among which were the offices of commissioner of the seat of justice,
county commissioner and sheriff.
An"ong others, were Robert Carter, Walter Savage, William Childers,
Peter Vesser, Jink Vesser, Jesse Martin, James Marrs, Jesse Gay, William
G. Williams, who was the first representative from the County of Gentry
in the legislature, and was probate judge of the county, Henry P. Mil-cr,
Miles Orton, George Brown, John Brown, John W. Canaday, James L. Can-
aday, George W. Birch, Samuel Trvin, Charles W. Claggett, Mason C!ag
gett, Thomas E. Peery, William A. Peery, John i Hundley, Jacob New-
man, James Thompson, Nathaniel Thompson, John Handy, Edward Mc-
Cart, William McCart, George C. Needles, William Steel, Joseph Siddons,
James B. Hunter, Eli P. Hardin, David O'Brien, Christopher Bartley,
William Rice, David Prunty, Zachariah Spriggs, William Ward, Jr.,
Henry Ward, John Fox, Josiah Fox, William Fox, Charles F. Rund, Will-
iam Brooks, John Riley, William Grants, Willis B. Sampson, Warren
Leftwich, Hiram Warner and William Glendenning.
Bogle Township. — Beginning at the northwest corner of section
two ; thence east eight miles to the east fork of Grand River ; then follow-
ing the meanderings of the river to the south line of section 35, township
64, range 31 ; thence west to the southwest corner of section 35, township
64, range 32 ; thence north six miles to the place of beginning, containing
44 square miles.
Early settlers in this township were John Ross and his son, John who
came from Nova Scotia about the year 1841 or 1842 and settled west of
the Middle Fork of Grand River.
William Glendenning came from Ohio, about the year 1841, and set-
tled west of the Middle Fork on the bank of the str2am. The Rosses ?nd
William Glendenning were doubtless the first white men to locate per-
manently in Bogle Township.
Alexander Newman emigrated from Tennessee about the yea»* 1842,
and located between the East and Middle Forks of Grand River. At the
time of his death he was a citizen of St. Joseph, Mo.
William Allen came to Gentry County prior to 1844, and located on
the west side of the East Fork of Grand River, where he continued to live
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 245
until 1850, when he went to Oregon. A man by the name of Harris lo-
cated about the same time, and in the same neighborhood. He left the
country several years afterwards.
Thomas Martin came to the county about the year 1874, and settled
what was called the Jack Ray farm, between the East and Middle Forks.
Martin went to Oregon in 1863.
Jesse Martin, brother of Thomas Martin, located in Bogle Township
prior to 1884, and settled in the same locality where his brother Thomas
had lived. Jesse went to California in 1849.
James Dean came from Callaway County, Missouri, in an early day,
first locating in Athens Township, where he remained until 1847, when
he enlisted as a soldier for the Mexican War. He returned from the war
in 1848, and settled between the East and Middle Forks of Grand River,
in Bogle Township.
Alexander Guynn emigrated from Ohio prior to the year 1844, and
located in the same locality.
Harris Green came from South Missouri in 1846 or 1847 and settled
in the same neighborhood, where he died.
L. L. L. Shockley, from Gasconade County, Missouri, came in 1842,,
and settled on section 27, township 64, range 31.
William and Thomas David, coming from Gasconade County, Mo., set-
tled about three-quarters of a mile south of Mr. Shockley's farm. They
finally moved to Iowa, near Red Oak Junction. James Murphey, and De-
catur Murphey, his brother, came from Illinois about the year 1846 and
settled west of the Middle Fork of Grand River. Frederick Summa lo-
cated in the same neighborhood about 1846. Reuben Cox came from
Gasconade County, Missouri, and settled in Bogle Township at an early
day. He moved to the mountains in 1862 or 1863. A man by the name
of Ingles and his son Coleman, also opened a farm between the Middle
and East Forks of the Grand River.
Then came John Lawrence from Ohio, in 1850, and improved a
place west of the Middle Fork. William A. Snyder, from Indiana, came
also in 1855, taking a claim in the same locality. Snyder is still living,
but Lawrence is dead. John Patton was one of the settlers of this town-
ship in 1850.
James Long and Reuben Long took a claim in the northwestern part
of Bogle Township.
Uriah Wells, Jonothan Bogue and Grayble all located in the we.st part
of the township.
Wright Stevens built the first grist mill (horse power) on Bear
246 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Creek in the northwestern part of the township. It was a primitive struc-
ture, and rested upon four to eight forks, eight or ten feet above the
ground. It had a pair of burrs made of lost rock, and turned out from
three to five bushels per day. A son of Wright Stevens, who was about
16 years of age, committed suicide prior to 1850 by hanging, committing
the deed with green bark, which he used instead of rope. About 1858,
on the same farm, a man by the name of Timmons was waylaid, shot and
killed by Milligan and Kestler. At a still later period, and on an adjoin-
ing farm, Enwhistle killed Fightner.
Thomas Napier, familiarly known as "Father Napier," settled near the
Worth County line, in the northwest part of the township. He came prior
to 1850, and he is said to have been familiar with the Old and New Testa-
ment scriptures that he could quote from memorj' almost any passage con-
tained in either of them.
Joshua Cox and Reuben Cox were among the early settlers, locating
in the eastern part of the township. Benjamin Dawson became a resident
of the township about 1850. He was from Kentucky.
Luman Yates, son-in-law of Thomas Martin, settled near Martin, and
later went to California. Beverly Mahoney came from Indiana prior to
1850, and settled in Bogle Township. Dr. Jabez Hunt, from Ohio, located
near Union Grove postoffice. He died in the winter of 1881, in Gentry-
ville. Noah and Alexander Hise, from Ohio, settled in this township prior
to 1850.
J. J. Patton came from Indiana in 1856. Philip Hinote, who was also
an Indianian, located in Bogle Township in 1850. Henry Ross emigrated
from Ohio in the Spring of 1855. William Hough took up his line of march
westward from North Carolina at a very early day.
The Protestant Episcopal organization built a house of worship in
1881. The constituent members were Wisley Lawrence and family, John
J. Swank, Andrew Henderson and family, William Stebbins and family.
The Missionary Baptist, United Brethren and the Christian denomi-
nations, each hold services in the different school houses of the township.
Probably the first school in Bogle Township, was taught by a man
named Brison ; the school house was a log cabin, located in district number
six, and was erected in 1855. The teacher was from Tennessee, and taught
what was called a loud school, where each pupil studies his or her les-
sons aloud.
The pioneer grist mill of Bogle Township was a horse mill, built prior
to 1850, by John Armstrong, and located on Linn Creek. The mill was
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 247
standing in 1855, but since that time botii mill and owner have passed
away.
William Jackson and brother built the next grist and saw mill and sold
the same to Martin Mervin, who moved the machinery onto the land owned
by John J. Patton.
Cooper Township. — Commencing at the northwest corner of the
northeast quarter of section three, township 63, range 33 ; thence
east to the West Fork of Grand River; then down said river to the south
line of section 13, township 62, range 31; thence west to the Nodaway
County line; thence north to place of beginning, containing 76 square
miles.
Early settlers in Cooper Township were: John Hussey, William R.
James, James House, James H. Saunders, Dr. T. C. Hussey, Benjamin
Floyd, John J. Stansbury, Green B. Cooper, William Hall, James House,
Silas Houston, John N. Ross, Thomas W. W^ilson, John J. Gish, Charles
B. Newhall, Ephriam Shisler, Isreal Shisler, Thomas Irons, John Cooper,
L. E. Shadduck, Lewis Christian, James Rouse, John T. Daniel, James R.
Farriss, John H. Kay, J. L. Edster, Fred Cogdill, James Stockton, Sidney
Wilson, George Wilson, William Harkrider, Enoch Liggett, I. N. Malson,
Robert Webber, Elijah Hathaway, Sylvanus Hathaway, Wilson J.
Wheeler, L N. Morris, J. W. Boner, William McCurry, Anderson Red-
ding, Joshua Cranor, Henry Cobb, Reuben Perkins, B. Steves, T. C. Hus-
sey, H. H. Hussey.
Howard Township. — Howard Township is bounded as follows:
Beginning at the northeast corner of section one, township 64, range 30 ;
thence west six miles to the East Fork of Grand River; thence down
said river to the south line of section 36, township 64, range 31; thence
east seven miles to the west line of Harrison County ; thence north six
miles to the place of beginning, 39 square miles.
Samuel and Asa Howard, after whom Howard Township takes its
name, came about 1840 from Ohio, and located near the southwest cor-
ner of the township, near the East Fork of Grand River. Samuel went
to Iowa.
William Bently, Sr., from W^est Virginia, but came from Illinois
here, in 1838, and settled in the southwest corner of the township. He
was sheriff of the county whence he came to Illinois, and ran for that
office here, but was defeated. He served as one of the justices of the
peace of Howard Township in an early day. He was a soldier in the
Mexican War, and was in some of the most sanguinary battles of that
struggle, being present at the Battle of Monterey and at the capture of
248 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
the City of Mexico. He returned to Gentry County after the Mexican
War, and in 1850 went to California, where he died.
David Rhudy emigrated from Tazewell County, Virginia, about the
year 1842, and located on Muddy Creek, in the northwest part of the
township. He moved away and has been dead for many years.
John Finley came from Tennessee in 1838, settling in Daviess
County, Missouri. He was in the Mormon War of that year, and located
in Gentry County, on Muddy Creek, in 1841 or 1842. Inseparably asso-
ciated with the name of John Finley is that of Sicamac, the name of a
horse prized very highly by him.
William Smith settled in Daviess County, Missouri, prior to 1838,
and was in the Mormon difficulties at Far West. He located in Howard
Township in 1844, and afterwards moved to Worth County, where he
died. He was a native of Tennessee.
James and Nathaniel Blakely came from Tennessee to Daviess
County, Missouri, in 1844. These men were exceedingly fond of frontier
life, spending the greater portion of their time in hunting game, wild
honey, and in fishing. Jesse Blakely, another brother, who came in
1845, was killed in New Mexico.
Old man Blakely and his wife were also early settlers of Gentry
County. They were taken sick on the same day, and died about the
same time, and were buried in the same coffin.
Charles Roe came in 1840, remained two or three years, and went
to Iowa.
Edward Nance arrived in 1842, and was about the first blacksmith
to ply his trade in Howard Township.
John Handy, a native of Kentucky, but from Illinois to Gentry
County, pitched his tent near Muddy Creek, on the 16th section. He
afterwards moved to Athens Township, and upon the organization of
the county, moved to the town of Athens, now Albany, and kept the
first tavern that was ever opened to the public in the town.
John Plaster came from Indiana at an early day, lived in Miller and
Athens, and moved to Howard Township about 1850. He filled various
offices in the county, among which was that of surveyor, assessor and
justice of the peace.
Madison Marrs, formerly from Virginia, but came from Illinois to
this county, in 1840, and located on Panther Creek. This creek takes
its name from the fact of a panther being killed upon its banks by some
hunters who were passing through the country several years before the
permanent settlement of Gentry County.
Elijah Vincent, John and Samuel Carter, together with big and
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 249
little John and Richard Glendenning, came to the township in the fall of
1841, and settled on the south bank of Panther Creek, three-quarters of
a mile north of the line of Athens Township. From these two families
and their relations sprang the M. E. Church of Gentry County. They
were great friends of Methodism, being prominent and active members
of that church, their homes being headquarters for the entertainment of
the ministers of that church.
The first camp meeting that was held in Gentry County was on the
farm of the Carters, above named, which took place about the year 1842
or 1843. It began on Thursday and continued over Sunday. There were
about 200 persons in attendance, coming from Daviess, DeKalb, Noda-
way, Gentry and other counties, and they came generally in ox wagons
and were well supplied with provisions, which they cooked and ate upon
the ground. Among the ministers officiating upon that occasion were
Isaac Burns and Noah Richardson, both of whom were devoted and earn-
est servants of God. It was an occasion characterized by a manifesta-
tion of genuine Christian piety.
Sampson Caster settled near the Rosses in an early day, where he
continued to reside until his death, which occurred in the winter of
1881. He was from Pennsylvania. Iri Hewlett came from Ohio about
1846.
Lace Carter, was also among the early pioneers to Howard Town-
ship. He was said to have excelled as a bee hunter; he was also fond of
hunting and trapping wild game. After remaining here a few years, he
left for Iowa, where he continued to live until his death, which occurred
many years ago ; being inseparably connected with his two most faithful
companions — his gun and his dog.
John C. Williams, Thomas Williams, Evan D. Williams, William H.
Williams and James Williams were also among the early settlers of
the township.
George W. Needels came from Ohio prior to 1845, and located in
this township. He was one of the county judges of Gentry County in
1864 and '66. He was a farmer and also the proprietor of the American
Freeman, an anti-monoply, anti-secret-society weekly newspaper.
David Gulp and Thomas Cook, William Stevenson and George
Smith were also early settlers.
Hugh Ross was, perhaps, the pioneer school teacher of the town-
ship. Peter Wilson emigrated from Old Virginia, near Richmond, and
located south of Muddy Creek, in the north part of the township, on the
Rhudy farm. He was an active member of the M. E. Church, South.
250 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Giles and Henrj' Parman emigrated from Tennessee and settled in
Howard Township quite early. Henry Parman went to California
shortly after the gold excitement of 1850, where he died.
John Hunger, who was also from Tennessee, came in 1842, and was
the first blacksmith in Howard Township. A man by the name of Hixon
and his brother-in-law, Saylee, came to the township prior to 1850
Hixon afterwards killed Saylee, which was one of the earliest murders
in Gentry County. Charles McNeece came from Clay County, Missouri,
formerly from Tennessee, settled east of a town known as Elenora.
Solomon Yates, Abram Yates, Henry Sourds, Aaron Allen and Sam-
uel Colvin, were also early settlers of the township.
About 1841, a family named Robinson, consisting of two or three
brothers and as many sisters, came from Clay County, Missouria, and
located near Muddy Creek, or in the forks of Muddy Creek. Potter Har-
rington, from Clay County, who resided near the Robinsons, went to
visit them one afternoon, remaining till dark before attempting to return
home. In the meantime a heavy shower of rain had fallen, and the
creek had risen rapidly. Harrington mounted his horse, being some-
what intoxicated, it is said, and started for home. He rode into the
creek ; his horse came out upon the opposite shore, riderless. Harring-
ton was drowned ; his body, however, was never afterwards indentified.
Some boys who were fishing in the creek the following spring discovered
the bones of a human skeleton ; this skeleton was supposed to be the
remains of Potter Harrington. The bones were collected and carefully
interred on the banks of the stream, near the place where they were
found. Harrington drowning at night, or being last seen at night,
when he left Robinson's cabin — the Robinsons being a rough, drinking
indecent, and immoral people, were arrested, charged with the murder
of Harrington, and taken before 'Squire Tip Brown, of Gentryville, but
for want of sufficient testimony, authorizing the justice to hold them for
trial till the succeeding term of the circuit court, they were discharged.
As early, perhaps, as 1855, a brick church edifice was erected by
George W. Needels and others near the former's residence and called
Needel's Church. The denomination known as the Methodist Episcopal
worshipped there for many years. Among the early members of this
church were George W. Needels, Sr., and wife, George W. Needels, Jr.,
and wife, Thomas Needels and wife and Barrett Needels, who was a
pi-eacher. The old brick church was taken down, and near it was
erected a frame building.
The Cumberland Presbyterians built a house of worship on John
Wayman's land. It was built prior to 1860. Wayman and family.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 251
Archibald Ross, James Castor and wife, Mayhew Harris and wife, Rob-
ert Reddy and wife, and Wiley and wife were among the organiz-
ing members. Rev. John Wayman was the first pastor. The building is
still standing. The Christian M. E. Church and M. E. Church, South, not
having any houses of worship of their own, hold services either in other
houses or in the different township school houses.
Jackson Township. — The boundaries of Jackson Township are:
Beginning at the northeast corner of section 24, township 62, range
32, thence west eight and a half miles; thence south nine miles; thence
east eight and a half miles ; thence north nine miles to place of beginning.
There are 76.5 square miles in the township.
Among the early settlers of Jackson Township were J.J. Taylor
and his brother, G. P. Taylor, from Scott County, Illinois; the latter came
in 1855 and the former in 1856, and located about three miles northeast
of King City. Ithra Todd settled four miles east of town, prior to 1856.
William Ring, Allison, Elijah Hull and Manlove Cranor were all
residents of the township at an early day.
Porter Hardin, Rufus Brown, Love Millen, John G. Millen, Oscar
Griswold, Samuel Millen, Harvey White and Thomas Payne were all in
the township prior to 1860, and located near the present site of King
City.
William Currel, from the southern part of Missouri, came also prior
to 1855, but left soon after. Levi Wood located west of the town, was
from Boone County, Missouri, but afterwards removed to Worth County.
R. M. Brown came with his father. E. K. Wood, settled about four
miles northwest. Andrew Tomlinson came at a later date from Indiana.
David Cranor, William and Moses Cranor were among the early
settlers.
Tiney Helton, from Kentucky, settled in the northwest corner of
the township in 1840. He was a man of decided characteristics, and was
exceedingly fond of frontier life. He spent much of his time in the
woods and on the banks of the neighboring streams in search of bees,
honey and wild game. His cabin stood near Wild Cat Branch, where
he lived a number of years, finally going to Arkansas and locating
among the Ozark Mountains. It is said by those who know him, that
wild cats and coons were among his favorite meats. His cabin was
without a floor, other than the ground. His pigs and lambs were raised
in the cabin, where they shared with his family about the same fare.
Harrison Ballard, Israel Cook, Edwin Winchester, Daniel Raridan,
Thomas Stegall, Adam Combs, Lewis Russell, Coleman Fugate and Will-
iam Cogdill, all came before 1845.
252 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Huggins Township. — Huggins Township is bounded as follows:
Beginning at the West Fork of Grand River, where the same crosses
the south line of section 32, township 64, range 32 ; thence down said
river to the southwest corner of section 36, township 63, range 32;
thence following the meanderings of said river to where the same inter-
sects the Middle Fork of Grand River; thence up the Middle Fork to
the north line of section 21, township 63, range 31; thence east to the
East Fork of Grand River; thence up said river to the south line of sec-
tion 35, township 64, range 31; thence west to the place of beginning.
Containing 37 square miles.
The pioneers who first settled Huggins Township, or that territory
now known as Huggins Township (it being once a part of Athens Town-
ship) located near, or in the timber on the banks of the streams. Grand
River, eighty five years ago contained a much larger volume of water than
it does now. Its native timber belts were larger, darker, and more
dense, abounding in a variety of game, and its waters teemed with fish,
all of which constituted incentives that were not easily resisted by the
old settler.
One of the first to locate in this township was Samuel Collins, who
came from Indiana about the year 1842, and settled on the southwest
side of the township, near the West Fork of Grand River. He was one
of the three county judges, the first that the county had in 1845, his
associates being Michael Moltsberger and William Steele. They were
commissioned as judges by the governor of the state. Prior to the Kan-
sas and Nebraska troubles, Judge Collins moved to Buchanan County
and built a brick residence within a few miles of St. Joseph. He finally
about the time of the breaking out of the civil war moved to Kansas.
He is said to have been a rough, overbearing man, and constantly at war
with his neighbors. He was killed in a difficulty in Kansas.
Frank Alexander came from Ohio prior to 1884, and settled near
the West Fork of Grand River. He built the first stream saw and grist
mill erected in Huggins Township.
Peter Vesser came from Tennessee in a very early day, as did John
and George Brown, and settled in the Forks of Grand River; they were
Indian traders, and possessed but little refinement, either in dress or
manners. John Brown died here and George moved to Texas.
Lemuel Lyle came from Kentucky prior to 1844, and located
between the East and Middle Forks of Grand River.
Strother Ball came from Clay County, Missouri, to Gentry County,
and located near the Middle Fork of Grand River, in 1844. He was a
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 253
native of Kentucky ; went to Texas vi^here he died. He was a minister
of the Hard Shell Baptist denomination.
Wright Stephens from Kentucky, settled near the forks of Grand
River. He erected a saw mill in Worth County, in which he lost one of
his arms. He went to Texas before the war.
Hiram Warner, from Kentucky, came in 1845, and located in the
forks of Grand River. Mr. Warner was a minister of the Christian
church and lived and died an exemplary Christian life.
William J. Canaday, Sr., originally from Kentucky, but came from
Illinois to Gentry County, in 1845 and located between the forks of the
river.
Lewis David, from South Missouri, came in 1845, and settled on
Caleb S. Canaday's farm, where he died.
Thomas and Calvin David, who were also from South Missouri, set-
tled on the Middle Fork of Grand River.
George O. Carlock came in 1842, from Tennessee, and settled west
of the Middle Fork of Grand River. He died in 1881, at the age of 83
years. His son, Henry Carlock, who settled with his father, at the same
date, was a soldier in the Union army and died at Jefferson City, in 1862.
In 1842, Uriah Wells came from Indiana and settled west of the
Middle Fork of Grand River. He afterwards went to Iowa, where he
died.
Jonathan Bogue was also an early settler, from Indiana, settled
west of the East Fork of Grand River.
William Cox, from South Missouri, came in 1845, and settled west
of the Middle Fork of Grand River. He went to Oregon before the Civil
War.
Meredith Shockley was also from South Missouri, and settled west
of the Middle Fork, where he died. He was a Methodist preacher.
John Huggins, after whom the township received its name, came
from Ohio, about the year 1845, and settled west of the Middle Fork, at
Hugginsville, which also took its name from John Huggins, where was
afterwards established a post office. In 1868 and '70 he was one of the
county judges of Gentry County. John Armstrong, son-in-law of Hug-
gins, located about the same time near Hugginsville.
William and Elisha Poole came from Ohio, at an early day.
Elisha and Isaac Enochs, from Ohio, located also near Hugginsville.
Frederick Watson, a native of Scotland, but from Ohio to Gentry
County, was one of the earliest settlers, locating west of the Middle
Fork of Grand River.
254 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
James Hall, from one of the Eastern States, settled near Grand
River, where he died.
James McGuire came from Kentucky in 1842 or 1843, with his
father, both settling on the West Fork of Grand River. His father went
to Oregon.
In 1845 William Rhoades came from Clay County, Missouri, and set-
tled on the Middle Fork of Grand River, in the bottom.
Andy Mackey located between the Middle and East Forks.
Valentine Waltrip settled here at an early day.
Among the earliest settlers was Solomon Graybill, from South Mis-
souri.
Morris B. Huggins, John Armstrong, Francis H. Alexander, Corne-
lius Enochs, David Buckridge, James F. Hall, Samuel Gunter and Wilson
T. Canaday, were all among the earliest settlers of Huggins Township.
A church was built in Huggins Township as early at 1848. It was
a brick edifice, and the land was donated by William J. Canaday, as was
also the cemetery, which is one of the oldest in the county, and is the last
resting place of many of the old pioneers and their wives. The first min-
ister to officiate within its walls was Hiram Warner, who continued to
fill its pulpit for nineteen consecutive years. As above stated, he was
from Kentucky, and an Elder in the Christian Church. Among the
persons organizing this church were William J. Canaday and wife,
George Brown and wife, Uriah Wells and wife, Henry Carlock and wife,
George O. Carlock and wife, Edwin Miller and wife, and Constance
and wife. Jasper H. Coffey succeeded Warner. Rev. Ripley and wife,
each of whom proclaimed the glad tidings of salvation, also labored
irregularly for some years in this church. Barton W. Wadkins is the
minister in charge at the present time. The brick church (Christian)
was wrecked by storm in 1883. A frame building soon took its place
and the work of this church has been continued.
The Capel, located at Hugginsville, was erected about 1854, by the
M. E. Church society. Meredith Shockley and Herald Johnson were
among its earliest ministers. John Huggins and wife, William Poole
and wife, Robert Morris and wife, John Ross, Sr., Mrs. John Armstrong,
and others, assisted at its organization.
Miller Township. — Miller Township is bounded as follows:! Begin-
ning at the northeast corner of section 24, township 62, range 30 ; thence
west 12 miles; thence south nine miles; thence east 12 miles; thence
north nine miles to place of beginning, containing 108 square miles.
Miller Township was the first settled in the county, that is to say,
the first emigrants coming to the county located in Miller Township, and
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 255
near what are now known as Greenwell Ford and Gentryville. It is the
southeast township of the county, the line of Daviess County forming its
eastern boundary. Daviess County was organized in 1836. Settlements,
however, had been made in that county several years prior to that date.
Because of its contiguity to Daviess County, which had been settled from
twelve to fifteen years. Miller Township received the first emigration
coming westward. The Grand River, with its affluents, affording ample
water-power for mill sites, and the abundant supply of timber which
fringed these streams, as well as the fertility of the soil, constituted at-
tractions such as were sought after by the pioneers, coming from the well
watered and well timbered districts of the Eastern and Southern States.
In 1832 Isaac Miller and his brother, Tobias, came from Garrett
County, Kentucky, to Clay County, where they remained for two years.
During the fall of that year and the succeeding fall, 1832-33, he came
to Gentry County in company with a number of young men In search of
game and wild honey. His immediate companions in the fall of 1833
were his brother, Moses Miller, David Henderson, Lewis Arnold and
William Arnold, all from Kentucky. There were three wagons in the
company, containing from three to five men each, besides the wagon
under the control of Mr. Miller and his party. They crossed Grand River
near what was afterwards known as Patton's Ford, and after remaining
in the vicinity of what is now Gentryville and Greenwell Ford for sev-
eral weeks, they returned to Clay County, taking with them an abun-
dance of honey. Having, during his sojourn in Clay County, made the
acquaintance of William Martin and John Roberts, both of whom were
from Tennessee, they concluded to come together to Gentry County, and
accordingly in the winter of 1834, in February, they arrived at Green-
well Ford. They built a cabin on the north side of the river, about forty
steps from the bank, north of the ford. At that time the locality had not
been named, nor had a ford or crossing place been established. When
Mr. Miller and his companions reached the end of their journey they
found a large band of Fox and Sac Indians, who had been camping there
that winter. They soon erected their cabin and prepared to raise a small
crop of corn in the spring of 1834, putting in fifteen acres. At that time
there were no mills or trading posts nearer than Clay County, where they
were compelled to go for their supplies, at long intervals, a distance of
about seventy miles. After spending the winter and summer in their
cabin, Martin, Roberts and Tobias Miller, each took a claim. Martin
located three-fourths of a mile east of the ford, on what was not inaptly
called then "Poverty Point," from the fact that the location was poor,
sandy and barren. Here Martin died many years ago.
256 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
John Roberts, of whom we have spoken in the history of Albany,
lived a short time near Greenwell Ford, and then moved on to the town
site of Albany, from which place he went to Illinois.
Tobias Miller, settled southeast of the ford, on the east side of the
river. After two or three years he removed to Daviess County, Mo., and
died there, about the year 1857. Isaac Miller then became and continued
the solitai-y occupant of the old cabin near the ford, until he located on
the northwest quarter of section 23, township 62, range 31, two miles
south of Greenwell Ford, where he lived until 1881, when he sold to his
son. While living at Greenwell Ford, Mr. Miller observed a large bald-
headed eagle, which had built her nest in a dead sycamore tree near his
cabin. The top of the tree had been broken off by the wind, leaving
about 70 feet of the trunk standing. Upon this stump the proud bird had
built her nest, where for two or three succeeding summers she raised
her brood.
This region of country was the hunter's paradise, and it was annu-
ally visited for several years after its settlement by the whites, by the
Indians of the Platte Purchase, who always returned to their homes with
a winters' supply of elk and deer.
In the fall of 1835, Mr. Miller, while standing upon the brow of an
upland prairie, saw on the plains below 127 deer in a single herd. Such
were visions which not unfrequently delighted the eyes and gladdened
the hearts of the brave pionrees who pitched their tents upon the banks
of the Grand River.
In 1835, the year following the first settlements made in the county,
emigration began to come quite rapidly. During that year, among those
who settled in Miller Township were John Gulp, from Tennessee; Mil-
ton Foster, from Kentucky; a German by the name of Taughlemyer, who
afterwards removed to Platte County; Benjamin Culp, from Tennessee;
Elisha Cameron, from Tennessee, and a number of others, principally
from Kentucky and Tennessee, all locating within a few miles of Gentry-
ville.
Nancy J. Miller, daughter of Isaac Miller, was the first white child
born in the county, the date of her birth being October, 1839. When
grown to womanhood she married W. P. Garten.
Among the earliest settlers of this township was Judge Jacob Jones,
who came from Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1839, arriving here on the
1st day of February, of that year. He came by land, through the newly
settled states of Indiana and Illinois, crossing the Mississippi River at
Quincy. He purchased from John McCuUy, his claim, located five miles
east of Gentryville and one mile from the Daviess County line, subject
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 257
to a survey. McCully was a Kentuckian and had lived on his claim about
two years, and then moved to Daviess County, Mo. Judge Jones contin-
ued to reside upon this farm, where he made substantial improvements,
until 1865, when he located at Albany, the county seat. He was one of
the prominent citizens of the county and was one of the county judges
in 1862 and in 1866.
Jesse Green, from Kentucky, located near the center of the town-
ship, prior to 1839. Shortly after the discovery of gold in California, he,
in company with a number of others from Gentry County, went to that
state, where he afterwards died.
Clayton T. Robinson, also a Kentuckian, located in the northwest
part of the township prior to 1839. Charles Gay, from Ohio, came to the
county prior to 1839 and settled at or near Gentryville, and was one of
the men who built at Gentryville in 1840 the first water mill that was
ever erected in the county, the place being called at that time Gay's
Mill. This primitive structure was built of logs, about 24 feet square, and
was operated with one pair of stones and had an upright saw. These
stones were made in the county by Joshua Potter out of what is called
"Nigger Head," or lost rock. This mill was washed away by the freshet
of 1844, and was rebuilt in 1844 and 1845, constructed in the second in-
stance of logs, but had two runs of stones. It was washed away in 1851,
and again rebuilt.
John T. Hunter, a son-in-law of Charles Gay above named, came
with Gay from Ohio, settling also at or near Gentryville, and became the
partner of Gay in the erection of the water mill above mentioned. In
1851 the mill was sold to J. C. and T. J. Patton and rebuilt in 1853-4.
John Graham & Brother bought it in 1863, and was washed away again
in 1865. Mr. Hunter afterwards became a citizen of eastern Oregon.
Aristippus Brown, from Kentucky, located near Gentryville, prior to
1839, and finally went to California.
Taylor McCully, from Kentucky, settled about four miles east of
Gentryville, about the year 1836. He erected the first horse mill worked
by lever power in the county, as early as 1837 or '38, at or near the
place of his residence. It was afterwards operated by Levi Baldock.
The facilities for obtaining breadstuffs then were very meagre and in-
complete. An entire day was doubtless consumed by mills similar to this
in grinding form two to five bushels of corn, and it is said that Levi Bal-
dock, the last proprietor of this mill, possessed an old hound that some-
times lapped up the meal as rapidly as the mill ground it, and in the in-
tervals looked up towards the hopper and barked for more. The origi-
nal settlers of the county generally grated their meal at home, which
258 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
made very excellent bread, especially when eaten hot, with native honey,
of which at that time, the forests along the streams abounded.
George and Wm. Weese located west of Gentryville prior to 1839.
Charles Roberson, from Kentucky, settled north of Gentryville in 1839.
John Patton, of Kentucky, settled in the northeast corner of the
township prior to 1839. Being smitten with the gold fever, which pre-
vailed so universally in this country in 1849, he went to California. Upon
his homeward voyage from California, where he had remained a short
time, he died on board of a ship, in the Gulf of Mexico. Byron Linville
and James M. Howell, from Tennessee, were also early settlers in this
township. William McNatt and Paschal O. Roberson, from Kentucky,
the former locating east of Gentryville two miles and the latter north of
Gentryville, were also among the prioneers. Charles Pryor and William
Newby settled south of Gentryville. John D. Burton, from Kentucky, lo-
cated on the Taylor McCully farm, at an early day. Caleb Sampson set-
tled one mile southeast of Judge Jones, prior to 1836.
James C. Patton was born in Augusta County, Va., July 24, 1787.
In 1809 he emigrated from Virginia to Knox County, Tennessee, where
he continued to reside till March, 1819. He then moved to Monroe
County, Tennessee, where he lived till the spring of 1841, when he came
to Daviess County, Missouri, where he lived till Sept, 14, 1841, when he
came to Gentry County, Missouri, settling in Miller Township, not far
from Gentryville. He died in 1862, at Albany.
In 1840, E. W. Dunegan, a native of Kentucky, but from Montgom-
ery County, Indiana, to Missouri, located in Miller Township. In June,
1841, Mr. Dunegan commenced a three months' school two miles above
Gentryville, on the east side of Grand River. A few days before his
school opened, the neighbors of the vicinity, living in a radius of per-
haps ten miles, met and erected the school house, which was a log build-
ing, 16 feet square, a portion of one of the logs being taken out for a
window. There were enrolled 22 pupils in this the pioneer school of Gen-
try County, the names of 20 of whom are here given: A. J. Ward, A.
Ward, Joseph Ward, Daniel Gay, J. S. Ward. James W. Crawford, G.
W. Crawford, William Osborn, William Ward, Miriam Foster, Susan
Foster, Margaret Foster, Nancy Ready, Ellen Readv, Louisa Smith, Ju-
dith Smith, Barbara Smith, Loretta Warren, Sarah Osborn, Sarah A.
Ward.
Wilson Township. — Wilson Township is bounded as follows: Be-
ginning at the northwest corner of the northeast quarter of section 3. town-
ship 64, range 33 ; thence east six and a half miles ; thence south six miles ;
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 259
thence west six and a half miles; thence north to the place of beginning;
39 square miles, 25,000 acres.
One of the first pioneers to pitch his tent within the limits of what
is now known as Wilson Township, was Abraham Enyart. He came from
Clinton County, Mo., where he had gone from Kentucky, before Clinton
County was organized, about the year 1831. He was an elder in the
Christian Church, and a physician. As early as 1837 or 1838, he made
visits to Gentry County, where at regular intervals he conducted religi-
ous services. Finally, in 1840, he settled in the northern part of Wilson
Township, about four miles north of Alanthus. He was instrumental in
securing the first post office in the township, and named it Alanthus.
In 1842 or 1843, John Bryson from Tennessee, located in the north-
east corner of the township. He has filled the position of justice of the
peace for a number of years.
Samuel and Captain Bryson were also among the early settlers to
this portion of the county.
Thomas Stanley was also one of the pionefers, settling in the north-
east part of the township. He left the county many years ago.
Squire Chapman located near Alanthus.
Lemuel Wadkins, who was also an elder of the Christian Church,
was among the early settlers.
Two or three families of Wrights, Levi and Riley Osborn, George
Smith and one of the Granthams, all came at an early day, as did Lean-
der and Jesse Coffey from Indiana. Jesse Coffey was a physician, resid-
ing at Alanthus.
William Richardson settled south of Alanthus.
Enoch Liggett, was also an early settler. In 1856, in 1862 and 1864,
he was one of the judges of the county court.
CHAPTER IX.
CITIES AND TOWNS.
ALBANY— AT FIRST CALLED ATHENS— LOCATION— FIRST HOl'SE— FIRST Bl^SINESS
AND PROFESSIONAL MEN— TOWN INCORPORATED— FIRST SCHOOLS AND OTHER
INSTITUTIONS— NEWSPAPERS— CHRISTIAN CHURCH— PRESBYTERIAN— METHO-
DIST EPISCOPAI^-BAPTIST— LIBRARY.
Albany — Albany, the county seat of Gentry County, was laid out
in May, 1845, by Elisha Cameron, the commissioner of the county seat.
It was first known as the town of Athens. The following is his report of
the sswne:
"Now comes Elisha Cameron, commissioner of the seat of justice of
Gentry County, and State of Missouri, and submits a report to this court,
which is ordered to be recorded as follows, to wit: By order of the
county court, met on the 8th day of May, A. D. 1845, at the town of
Athens, the seat of justice of the county of Gentry, and proceeded to lay
off a portion of the tract of land known as the southeast quarter of sec-
tion number twenty-four (24), in township number sixty-three (63) of
range number thirty-one (31), west of the fifth principal meridian, into
a square, lots, avenues, streets, lanes and alleys. Commencing in the
northeast corner of the above mentioned tract of land, at the half mile
stake, on the range line dividing ranges 30 and 31 ; thence running south
173 feet; thence west 12 feet, which constitutes the northeast corner of
block number one (1), and lot number one (1) ; thence running west
198 feet to the beginning, constituting one block, containing lots num-
ber (1), two (2), three (3), four (4), five (5) and six (6), each lot 66
feet in front and 93 feet back, making an alley of 12 feet, running east
and west through said block ; thence commencing at the southeast cor-
ner of block number one : thence running south 66 feet and cornering,
composing Clay Street, running east and west; thence proceeded to lay
off 15 blocks, each block containing six lots and a 12-foot alley. Blocks,
lots, alleys and square, each of the size of the above mentioned block,
lots, streets, alleys and square, making 90 lots, six streets, three of which
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 261
running east and west and three north and south, each 60 feet wide."
As will be seen, the town of Athens was laid out during the month
of May, 1845, by Elisha Cameron, commissioner of the county seat, and
the first sale of town lots was made on the 16th of June thereafter.
The town is handsomely located, about five miles northeast of the
geographical center of the county, in the midst of a beautiful and fertile
country. The original town site is a broad elevation, gently sloping to-
wards the south and southwest, and commands a fine view of the coun-
try, stretching out in the latter direction. The northern part of the town
is upon ground still more elevated, from which the obsen-er may see in
the distance the green fields and attractive homes of the farmer, and
still beyond, the dark timber belts which skirt the higher grounds to-
wards the east, and fringe the affluents of Grand River to the south and
westward.
Albany has a population of 2016 according to the census of 1920.
The original proprietor of the quarter section of land, upon which
Athens was located, was John Roberts, a native of one of the Southern
States. When he located here, is not definitely known. Judge Kingsbo-
rough came in 1838, and says that the cabin which Roberts had built on
the town site, looked as if it had been standing several years. This cabin
was located southeast of the jail, where the Central Hotel now stands,
and was constructed of white oak logs. Roberts sold his interest in the
land to William Dailey, from Ohio, about the year 1842. Dailey died in
Montgomery County, Illinois, in 1852, where he had moved in 1846, hav-
ing exchanged 200 acres of land, north of Athens, for land in Illinois,
with Robert C. Canaday. Dailey quit-claimed his interest in the land,
where the town was located, in August, 1845, and Elisha Cameron pur-
chased the same at the land office, at Plattsburg, Mo., for the sum of
$200 in the name of the county.
The first house erected in the town, after the location of the county
seat, was that of Elijah P. Howell. It was a log house, with shed at-
tached, and stood near the Central Hotel. Howell built this for a busi-
ness house, and sold goods and general merchandise, being the first mer-
chant who sold goods in Athens. Howell came from Clinton County to
this place. He was one of the pioneer merchants of Plattsburg, having
sold goods there as early as 1833 and 1834, or soon after the location of
the town. He was the first county and circuit court clerk, and went to
California in 1849, where he died. He was a great hunter, and killed 30
deer near the town, in the winter of 1848.
John Handy, came from Montgomery County, Illinois, locating first
in Howard Township, and built the ne.xt house in the new town of
262 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Athens, which he used as a hotel, or as it was called in those days —
tavern. Joseph Cole, from Virginia, was the first saddler.
John Patton had the honor of keeping the first saloon in Athens,
and built a log house, wherein to vend whisky, hickory nuts and soft
soap.
John B. Hundley built the next house. He afterwards built a brick
store on the same lot. Mr. Hundley came from Green County, Tennes-
see, in 1845, and located near Evona.
The first blacksmith in the town was John W. Shockley, from Gas-
conade County, Missouri. John T. and Lewis Rowe were also among the
earliest blacksmiths. William Armstrong and William Cook, from Ill-
inois, also put up a blacksmith and repair shop on the west side of the
public square.
The next hotel was erected by John Thompson.
The first shoemaker was James Shelby, George B. Clover, from In-
diana, coming next in 1853. Joseph Kingsborough, from Ohio, was the
pioneer shoemaker of Athens Township and probably the first shoe-
maker in Gentry County, as he came as early as 1838. Kingsborough
made the boots worn by Dr. Williams to the legislature in 1846.
Walter Savage was among the first carpenters. He came from Clay
County in 1846, and built a house south of the Gentry County Bank.
Robert C. Canaday, erected the first frame house in 1846, in the
north part of town. The sills, studding, rafters and sleepers were hewed.
The boards (four feet boards) were cut and split from a white oak tree,
and shaved, and with these a house, 20x24 feet was made, containing
two rooms below and one above. It was considered the most magnificent
structure of that day in all this region of countrj\ It was taken down in
1880.
The first brick building was erected by C. B. Hartwell, who came
from Montgomery County, Illinois, in 1847. It stood about half a block
north of the Evans House. Hartwell was a builder and contractor, and
built this for a business house, two stories high. The upper story was oc-
cupied by the Masonic order, the first organized in the town. The first
floor was a store room. Here a man named Lehman sold goods, as did
Isadore and Francis B. Robidoux, one of whom was a brother and the
other a nephew of Joseph Robidoux, the founder of St. Joseph, Mo.
Hartwell went to Lincoln, Neb.
P. K. Price was the first saddler in the town, and built a brick house
(which was probably the second brick) south of the public square. Price
went to Texas.
John B. Hundley and Alexander Patton built and operated the first
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 263
steam mill (grist and saw) in the town. This mill had two pairs of burrs.
The mill was afterwards moved to Island Branch.
Dr. J. W. Stapleton came from Daviess County, Missouri, formerly
from Virginia, in 1847, and opened a tan yard, about four blocks west of
the public square. He sold his tannery to Samuel Fry, from Ohio, and
Fry sold to Joseph Davidson, from Virginia.
The first physician to practice his profession in the town was Dr.
William G. Williams. The doctor was the second physician in the county
— Dr. Hood, of Miller Township, being the first. Dr. Williams came to
Gentry County in January, 1845, and settled a half-mile north of Al-
bany. He was a native of Taswell County, Virginia, whence he moved
in October, 1843, sojourning a short time in Harrison and Grundy Coun-
ties, Missouri, and arriving here, as stated, in 1845. At the time of his
locating there was much malaria, the field of his practice reaching to
Gentryville on the south and to the Iowa line on the north. Shortly
after his arrival he was absent from his home two days and nights, pro-
fessionally engaged, and during this time he treated 40 .patients, all of
whom were suffering with fever and ague.
The next physician was Cyrus Hubbard, a graduate of the Univer-
sity of Maine and a brother of Governor Hubbard, of that State. He lo-
cated at Sandsville. The doctor was not only a thorough physician, but
a man of fine classical and literary attainments, and notwithstanding
his many eccentricities, he is said to have been eminently successful.
The first attorney was Colonel E. H. Wood, who was appointed one
of the commissioners from Daviess County, formerly from Bucyrus, Ohio,
to locate the county seat of Gentry. He soon after moved to Albany, and
engaged in the practice of law. He died in 1847, being the first person
who died in the town.
The next attorney was Moses H. Simonds, from Plattsburg, Clinton
County, to Athens, and formerly from Ohio. Simonds was a graduate of
Ohio University, and a man of excellent scholarship. He taught school
and studied law at Plattsburg. He finally raised a company of volun-
teers, for the Mexican War, and died on the way to Mexico.
Judge George W. Lewis arrived in Gentry County in October, 1846,
and was the third attorney to practice his profession in Albany, and the
third attorney in the county. The judge came from Greenbriar County,
West Virginia.
Robert Evans, from Kentucky, was the first man in Albany who died
a violent death. He was shot with a horse pistol, in the hands of Benja-
min Allen, in the street. Both men were drinking. Evans had drawn his
knife, when he was shot by Allen, who was arrested and confined in the
264 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
jail in Andrew County, whence he succeeded in making his escape be-
fore his trial.
James Lainhart. from Adair County, Kentucky, came in 1850.
Merrill, a Baptist preacher, was among the early settlers.
The parties above mentioned constitute some of the earliest pion-
eers, among the business and professional men of Albany.
There was a post office in Clark County, Missouri, called Athens,
and this being also the name of the county seat of Gentry County, the
mail intended for Athens, Gentry County, was occasionally sent to
Athens post office, Clark County. In order to obviate the difficulties
which grew out of a similarity of names in these post offices, the name
of Athens, Gentry County, was changed in 1857, by special act of the
legislature, to Albany, which name the county seat has borne ever since.
The town of Albany was incorporated on the 5th day of February,
1851, by the county court, and again in 1857 by the legislature. The cor-
porate limits of the town began at block number 70, running east to the
east coi-ner of -the town quarter, and included 16 rods of John B. Hun-
dley's land : thence north to the north line of R. C. Canaday's Addition ;
thence west to the line running north of the first mentioned boundary ;
thence south to the beginning.
John Handy, Walter Savage, Calvin B. Hartwell, F. B. Robinson and
John Thompson were appointed the first trustees of the town.
The first private subscription school was taught in Albany by a
man by the name of Poston, in the latter part of 1845.
The second teacher was Judge George W. Lewis, who opened a
school in 1846, just north of town, and afterwards taught in the town.
The next teacher was Cyrus Hubbard, a physician and lawyer, from
Clinton County, Missouri, in 1846, of whom we have already spoken.
There were many other teachers after these, among whom were
William M. Albin, Gordon Ruby, Mrs. M. J. Hardesty and others.
The first school building, frame (common school) was erected in
1858 or '59.
The first grist and saw mill in Albany, was built by Redman Whit-
ten and Alexander Patton, about the year 185 — .
The first (exclusively) saw mill, was erected by Charles Gilbert in
1854, which became also, afterward, a gi'ist mill.
John Graham and George W. Stapleton built a grist mill.
Spainhouer, Twist & Co., built the next mill, (grist) near the de-
pot.
The first carding machine was put up by Martha Gulp ; and Calla-
han Spessard operated the second, and Jacob Newman the third and last.
History of daviess and gentry counties 265
Charles Gilbert, from Ohio, came in 1848, and erected a foundry
and machine shop in 1867. His moulding room' is 18x66 feet; his main
building, 24x52 feet, two stories high.
Fred Watson began operating a foundry and machine shop in 1880.
A broom factory was operated from 1867 to 1871, by G. C. and W.
T. Lainhart.
Charles G. Comstock, Esq., who came to Albany from New York,
in 1859, was the pioneer banker of the town, and first operated a bank
by himself, from January, 1870, to July, the same year, when was estab-
lished the Exchange Bank of Comstock & Millen, Charles G. Comstock
and M. L. Millen being the partners. This firm continued to do business
until July 24, 1876, when it was succeeded by the Gentry County Bank,
which was organized with a capital of .1^100,000.
Bank of Albany was established on the 9th day of April, 1877, by
27 stockholders, and reorganized June 1, 1878, with 25 stockholders.
The first newspaper ever published in the town of Albany was
called the Albany Courier, edited by J. H. Brakey, about the year 1857,
who continued its publication until 1858, when he was succeeded by
George C. Deming and J. C. De Haven, as De Haven & Deming. De
Haven sold in 1860 to a Mr. Fuller, and Deming also sold to him in 1861,
and he moved the office and material to Dallas County, Iowa. The paper
was neutral in politics.
The second newspaper was the Grand River News, established in
1864, by Comstock & Stewart, of which George C. Deming assumed edi-
torial management. These parties, Comtsock & Stewart, sold to Deming
& Matthewson the following year, Deming subsequently purchasing the
interest of Matthewson. In the fall of 1868, Deming sold to Robert N.
Traver, at present one of the editors of the St. Joseph Herald. He ran
the News until March, 1873, when he sold to George W. Needels. The
News was Republican in politics.
When the paper was purchased by Mr. Needels, he changed its
name to the American Freeman.
Gentry County Beacon was established in 1874, by Williams & Aus-
tin, in the spring of that year, being discontinued after the fall election.
Democratic. White & Hampton began the publication of the Gentry
County Chronicle in 1875, which continued to exist until about 1877.
Republican. The Sun was established on the 10th of January, 1880, by
J. M. Davis, and has continued under the same management up to the
present time. It is independent in politics, is an eight column folio, and
has a circulation of about eight hundred.
J. W. Waldo and J. E. Mann began the publication of the Albany
266 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Ledger in May, 1868, and disposed of the same in July following, to C.
H. S. Goodman. The Ledger has been Democratic in politics from the
date of its establishment.
The Christian Church of Albany. — (Prepared by D. D. Kingsbor-
ough. — The history of this church divides itself naturally into three dis-
tinct periods: The period of pioneer work; the period of development;
and the period of organized work.
The period of pioneer work was marked by intense sectarian prej-
udice and opposition. The pioneers who blazed the way for the future
church were pecularly fitted for the duties imposed upon them by the
existing conditions; being well grounded in the Holy Scriptures, its pre-
cepts and promises, its commands and doctrines; the duties it imposed
and above all the Gospel plan of salvation from sin, and each one was
ever ready to defend his position against every assault.
The first evangelist in this community was Elias Shortridge, who
held a meeting in August, 1859, at the old Thompson place a few miles
south of town, on what is now the Evona road. He preached a new gos-
pel, or rather the old gospel in a new way, and men and women heard
this earnest preacher and his simple story of a reasonable and under-
standable salvation, with gladness, and entered into the service of Christ
with a new joy and purpose. Among the body of those believers were
the Sampsons, the Gulps, the Smiths, the Spessards, the Thompsons, the
Davidsons, the Hopkins, the Stephens, the Gotts, the Lainharts, and
others.
Preacher Shortridge was a man of considerable ability, judged by
the standards of his day ; thoroughly versed in the scriptures, he was
able to quote from memory whole chapters and even books of the Holy
Bible, and was proficient in the use of the sword of the spirit, besides
possessing wonderful pursuasive power. He was able to sway his audi-
ence with the simple gospel story, eloquently delivered and with his log-
ical reasoning bring his hearers to quick decisions for Christ. A single
incident of this meeting will suffice to illustrate the character of the
man and his message. As already intimated, the religious complexion
of the people of the community was not friendly to Shortridge or the
message he brought, and many were violently opposed to him in doc-
trine and belief. One of these, Joseph Davidson, was especially bitter in
denunciation of the man, and at first flatly refused to hear him preach,
but finally at the urgent request of his friend and neighbor, Calahan F.
Spessard, he went to the meeting, though in no mood to hear what was
said much less accept the teaching. The meetings were held in a grove
on a gently sloping hill-side, the preacher being located at the lower side
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 267
of the slope; slabs supported on logs served as seats for the people, the
people, the leafy boughs of the forest trees being the only roof. David-
son took a seat on the very back row, fartherest from the speaker. After
the pi-eacher was fairly started on his sermon, Davidson was observed to
move forward a bench or two and as his interest grew he moved forward
seat after seat until at last, before the sermon was ended, he was sitting
on the very first row of slabs, with wide-open mouth, gazing intently up
into the face of the preacher, oblivious of all about him or how he came
to that position. He never before heard the old, old story of Christ and
his salvation so simply and forcefully told, and he was convinced on the
spot. As soon as the invitation was given he immediately sprang to his
feet, grabbed the preacher's hand in ecstacy of joy and gave himself over
perfectly to the service of Christ. Following the Shortridge meetings
evangelistic services were held by a preacher by the name of Cory and
still later by Moses E. Lard, of revered memory, at the Thompson place.
The period of developement was initiated by Hiram Warriner, who
shepherded the flock for many years. He was also a man peculiarly
fitted for the work he was called upon to perform ; a man of iron nerve,
of considerable natural ability, though unlettered and unlearned ; he
possessed a loveable and loving disposition and was devoted to the cause
he espoused ; an unselfish lover of the truth, he knew the Book perfectly
and how to use it to the glory of God. He preached Christ, the Saviour
of Men, as a business and farmed to pay expenses. The period of de-
velopment, without a meeting house, and in fact with no real church or-
ganization, had its peculiarities of service. The brethren met more or
less regularly, for prayer, exhortation and observance of the Lord's Sup-
per, in groves, or in dwellings of the people and frequently in a large
barn on the Chris Bartley farm. On these occasions as often as possible
Warriner would come and preach to the people. Their communion was
purely democratic, and deep piety characterized their every day life;
every disciple was a student of the word and knew His Book. Nothing
but a "Thus sayeth the Lord" was accepted in any question of faith or
doctrine.
Hiram Warriner is entitled to credit in a large measure for the prog-
ress of the church during this period; his pious and godly walk and
conversation stamped its imprint indelibly upon the lives and character
of the people and moulded a generation of moral heroes, and we today
are reaping the fruits of his labors.
The period of organized work began about the year 1863, when,
under the direction and leadership of Jasper H. Coffey, the first regular
pastor, this church and congregation was formally organized, at the
26S HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Smith school house which was located a few miles southeast of town,
where they continued to worship some j'ears. Among the charter mem-
bers were Benjamin Sampson and George Hopkins, the first elders, and
their wives, Kelse Gulp and wife, Jacob M. Stephens and wife, Calahan
F. Spessard and wife, Lewis B. Sampson and wife, James Lainhart and
wife, George Smith and wife, and a number of others.
The records of this time are lost and we know but little of the strug-
gles of the brethren during those troublous times of and immediately
after the war, but the church continued its organization under the lead-
ership of Brother Coffey and others. After a few years the place of
meeting was moved to the old frame school house which stood on lot 3
block 16, the present site of the Presbyterian church, in Albany.
In May, 1869, the congregation purchased lot 6 block 21 (at the
northwest corner of Jackson and Van Buren Streets) , Albany, and
erected thereon their first church building. That building was destroyed
July 13, 1883, by a wind storm, which also wrecked the county court
house and a number of other buildings. A new house was erected on the
same site in 1884, and remained in use until 1915. The church was in-
corporated under the laws of the State of Missouri, by decree of the cir-
cuit court of Gentry County, Sept. 13, 1887, under the name of "The
Christian Church of Albany, Mo." Its business affairs are in the care
of a board composed of its elders and deacons, all of whom are chosen
by the congregation.
During the pastorate of George W. Maxwell, in June, 1914, the
church purchased the north half of block 1, in the City of Albany, on
which they erected a new, modern church edifice, and equipped it thor-
oughly for the purpose of a modern church plant. The building, with-
out furniture, cost about $15,000.00. The dedication services were held
Sunday, March 28, 1915, under the direction of George L. Snively, dedi-
cator.
The church parsonage, a splendid two story frame building of ten
rooms, located on North Hundley Street, one block north of the church
building, was purchased Sept. 27, 1920, at a cost of $4,000.00.
Presbyterian Church. — The First Presbyterian Church of Albany,
Mo., was organized on May 30, 1857, by a committee composed of Rev.
Ralph Harris and Rev. J. N. Young, ministers, and S. Edmiston, elder,
M'ith seven members namely: A. G. McConkey, Mary McConkey, Mar-
garet Miller, Harriet Rannels, Caroline S. Rannels, Sarah M. Rannels
and Mary J. Young and A. G. McConkey was elected elder. Additions
to the membership up to the date of the reunion with the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church were about 250, but deaths, removals and other
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 269
causes depleted the body to less than 40 at the date of the reunion in
June, 1905.
Regular preaching services were conducted at intervals up to the
last mentioned date at stated salaries, to-wit: Rev. John N. Young, C.
M. McClain, N. H. Smith, Duncan McRuer, M. L. Anderson, John Hus-
ton, W. A. Cravens, A. M. Tunner, T. M. Hillman, M. J. McLeod, J. C.
Hanna, Arthur B. Herr, F. W. Grossman, C. C. Mclntire, Archibald B.
Wright, E. H. Bull and others. Ruling Elders serving before the re-union
were A. G. McConkey, J. H. White, J. W. Virden, James W. Owens, S.
F. Lucas, Thomas J. Smith, J. C. Power, C. M. Harrison, C. M. Gordon,
Robert A. Patterson and Robert M. McCammon.
A plan of co-operation of the Presbyterian Church with the Cum-
berland Presbyterian in Albany, Mo., was adopted in July, 1904, and a
union of the churches was effected in June, 1905, in advance of the ac-
tion of the General Assemblies, and Rev. M. B. Irvin accepted a call as
pastor of the united church. July 11, 1907, following the resignation of
all oificers of both churches, the united church assembled as members of
the Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., and in a congregational meeting
elected the following officers, to-wit: For eldership, R. M. McCommon,
John Newman, R. J. N. Dorsey, J. P. McCommon, and H. M. Wayman ;
for deacons, Ben L. Peery. and F. M. Millen, and for trustees, W. F. Dal-
bey, John Newman, R. M. McCommon, and Ben L. Peery.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized March 12,
1884, by Rev. J. H. Tharp and others with 54 members and on March 22
following, six elders wei'e eletced, to-wit: C. O. Patton, M. Cunningham,
R. J. N. Dorsey, D. P. Wayman, H. M. Wayman, and Wallace Hubbard.
At one time about 150 members were enrolled with many active mem-
bers in all departments of church work. The C. P. Church was supplied
during the term from its organization to the time of its reunion with the
Presbyterian Church, U. S. A., with the following named ministers: J.
H. Tharp, J. H. Norman, C. E. Hays, S. T. Divinia, M. Low, E. M. Wright,
W. A. Woozencraft, George Woozencraft, R. J. Beard, M. B. Irvin, and
others at intervals. Pastors employed since the union of the churches:
M. B. Irvin, George A. Mitchell, A. M. Reynolds and J. W. Mays, the
present pastor. The present elders are: J. P. McCammon, John New-
man. George P. Adams, M. P. Whaley, R. M. Funk, R. M. McCammon,
Clerk of Session at the time of his death, Jan. 23, 1922.
Methodist Episcopal Church and Methodist Episcopal Church,
South. — These two churches served the community in Albany until 1916.
In 1917, under Rev. C. I. Hoy, a tentative arrangement of union was put
on trial. After two years' progress this arrangement was rendered per-
270 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
manent by the formal withdrawal of the Methodist Episcopal church
from this field.
The united church, M. E. S., is going forward very successfully.
There follows a list of pastors since 1879: C. W. Hurley, 1882; J.
Y. Blakey, 1883; W. B. Johnsey, 1884; J. W. Keithley, 1885-86; C. W.
Hurley, 1887; B. P. Searcy, 1888; W. A. Davis, 1889; G. M. Gibson,
1890; J. A. Wailes, 1891; J. M. Settle, 1892; J. H. Ledbetter, 1893-94;
David McAllen, 1895-96; C. B. Campbell; E. C. McVoy, 1897-98; W. H.
Roper, 1899-1900; J. O. Edmonston, 1901; H. H. Johnson, 1902-03; J.
A. Snarr, 1904-06; J. I. Sears, 1907-08; J. W. Budd, 1909-10; F. R.
Poage, 1911; T. H. Swearingen, 1912-13; C. J. Chappell, 1914; G. C.
Beery, 1915-16; C. I. Hoy, 1917; To be supplied, 1918-19; W. Ruther-
ford, 1920-22.
The First Baptist Church of Albany. — The organization as it now
exists has little or no connection with the early Baptists in Albany who
from loss of members and lack of interest were compelled to sell their
church building in 1881.
The present organization dates from June 17, 1891, when, under
the leadership of Elder S. R. Dillon, the following named persons by
mutual agreement constituted and organized the First Baptist Church
of Albany : Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Kingsborough ; Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Albin ;
Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Dorsey; Mr. and Mrs. Jasper Cox; Mr. and Mrs. W.
B. Caster; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Moullon; Mr. and Mrs. John Kingsbo-
rough; Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Bray; Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Lockwood; T. R.
Bray, Chas. Lockwood, E. J. Morris, Mrs. J. B. Thomas, Mrs. Wheeler
and Miss Wheeler.
A lot was purchased and a suitable building was erected and dedi-
cated in 1895. The membership at that time being 77.
A number of pastors served the congregation during the 25 years
following and despite many obstacles the church gained in numbers and
influence.
It having been decided that the work of the church could be better
done in a larger building, in May, 1920, the building formerly occupied by
the people of the M. E. Church was purchased from them. After this
building had been remodeled to meet the present needs of the church,
dedicatory services were held on October 1, 1921. The present pastor is
E. F. Estes.
Carnegie Library at Albany. — On Feb. 28, 1885. the Albany Library,
successor to the Centennial Library, was formally opened to the public.
After a program of music, and of addresses by leading citizens, a gen-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 271
erous fund was raised and placed in the hands of the secretary; 300 vol-
umes of history, biography, travels and fiction were donated by the
earlier association. With funds on hand and proper by-laws adopted,
the prospects seemed fair for extended usefulness. Membership fees
were a dollar each, and Tuesday and Saturday were borrowing days.
Those not members could rent at 5c the volume. After a time, lack of
interest apparently inherited from its predecessor, gradually overcame
both management and patrons, and with scarcely life enough to make
the transfer, the books, in 1890, were turned over to the public school li-
brary.
In 1904 the question was revived and the citizens decided to re-
quest a donation from Mr. Carnegie, who previous to that date had made
possible the erection of 10 free public libraries in the state.
Correspondence secured the promise of $10,000 for the building
conditioned on the presentation of a suitable site and a guarantee from
the citizens to maintain a free public library in Albany at a minimum
cost of $1,000 a year.
The lot was duly presented and a special tax voted to produce the
$1,000 annually.
The contract was let for $9,071.00 to cover everything complete,
except shelving for books. The fine building was completed in 1905 and
is a permanent source of comfort and pride to the city.
The following items are from state report for 1921 :
Librarian — Miss Vera Erskine.
Books added 1921, 136; total number, 4,692.
Open 48 hours each week. Borrowers regi.stered, 350.
Total receipts, $1,438.87.
CHAPTER X.
CITIES AND TOWNS— CONTINUED.
STANBERRY— KING CITY— GENTRYVII.LE—McF"ALL— FORD CITY— ACANTHUS— ISLAND
CITY— DARLINGTON— BERLIN— GENTRY— EVONA— OTHER TOWNS.
Stanberry. — Stanberry was organized as a village, in February
1880, with five trustees: W. H. Reynolds, President; M. F. Brown,
Clerk; L. G. Sweat, L. M. Chilton, James Brown; George P. Rush, City
Attorney; W. A. Forcade, Treasurer; George L. Shelly, Marshal; Isaac
Meek, Collector; A. C. Frisbie, Assessor.
In May, 1881, the town was organized into a city of the fourth class:
W. H. Reynolds, Mayor; J. S. Weaver, D. T. Miller, E. Fisher, A. P. Am-
brose, S. B. Hinkley, J. B. Sawhill, Z. F. Kestler, F. A. Weimer, Alder-
men; George P. Rush, City Attorney; W. A. Forcade, Treasurer; V. T.
Williams, Clerk; W. F. Miller, Collector; J. F. Smith, Marshal; Isaac
Meek, Street Commissioner; L. M. Chilton, City Physician.
The land upon which the original town was located was owned by
R. E. Morand and William Harkrider, each of whom were living on the
land when the town was laid out. Harkrider's house stood where Alan-
thus Avenue intersects Main Street. Morand's residence occupied the
present site of the Wabash House, and was torn down to make room for
that building. The pioneer merchants of the town were Messimer, Gavin
& Co., who built a small box house on the south side of the railroad,
where they kept a general stock. Several buildings were commenced
within a few days of each other, but Kimball & Forcade, druggists, en-
closed and got into their business house, probably, before any other per-
son on the north side of the railroad. Smith Brothers and Houston, and
D. T. Miller's were the first exclusive dry goods stores in the town. Wea-
ver & Fry built the first house for groceries, on the north side of the
railroad, and at the same time erected an elevator. L. G. Sweat erected
the first hotel. James Brown the second hotel. Bunker & Reynolds were
the first hardware merchants. Fred Mauer was the first shoemaker.
Shackelford was the first blacksmith. W. W. Brooks was the first phy-
PL'BLIC SCHCJOL BL1LI)!X(,S. STAXBERRV
\1K\\ (II-" MKM MKKKI. MA\l;KKK\
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 273
sician. Ed. E. Aleshire was the first attorney. Frank Albright was the
first saloon keeper. The first marriage that occurred in the town was
solemnized between Henry Newell and Mary Morand. The first child
born was a son of F. M. Linn.
Stanberry has maintained herself with steadfast and permanent
progress. For nearly 25 years the Stanberry Normal School continued
to be a leading factor in the education of Northwest Missouri; for years
it was under the efficient management of Prof. Charles Morris and later
under Prof. John Taylor of Springfield, Mo.
Large numbers of youth from Gentry County and adjoining counties
attended. The yearly roll usually included from 300 to 400, but on
account of temporary lapses of similar near by institutions, the attend-
ance some years was nearly 500. The second fire, in 1906, proved the
death of this admirable school.
There is now a 'state normal school at Maryville, and the county
and city schools have so far advanced, that much of the work once so
well undertaken by Stanberry Normal is now achieved in the various
high schools of the county. Yet still we say, "all honor to the old
Normal."
Of the churches of 1882, one, the Presbyterian, after varying strug-
gles, has been disbanded. The others have kept pace with the needs
and opportunities of the city and cummunity. The Methodist, Baptist
and Christian, Advent and Catholic are all in active work. Each in its
own substantial home.
The Advent Publishing House is established in Stanberry, impor-
tant and valuable among the city's assets.
Stanberry has a population of 1864, census of 1920, and a splendid
farming county is tributary to its business activity. The city is the larg-
est in the county and its public interests are well advertised in its two
weekly papers, "The Owl Headlight," and "The Stanberry Herald."
Also the official organ of the Advent Church is published here.
The Wabash railroad shops are located here and employ about
150 men. This point is also a freight division and many railroad men
make this their headquarters.
The city has three banks. The Farmers and Merchants Bank, The
Commercial Bank, and The Gentry Trust Company, and all are strong
financial institutions.
The business of Stanberry is carried by five grocery stores, three
dry goods stores, three clothing stores, three drug stores, two hardware
stores, two hotels, and three restaurants, the Commercial Cable Manu-
274 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
facturing Company, with several traveling salesmen, one elevator, and
one meal and feed mill.
Wm. F. Sager is mayor; C. A. Greenlee, City Clerk, Seth M. Hink-
ley, City Treasurer. With board of eight aldermen.
The Chamber of Commerce of Stanberry was organized May 4th,
1921. This organization succeeds the Commercial Club, which usually
had about 40 members. The Chamber of Commerce already has 80
members. A board of eight directors with the following officers: Vic-
tor Field, president; Cleo Gregg, vice-president; A. E. Tibbetts, treas-
urer; F. A. Flader, secretary.
This body continues and enlarges upon the aims and efforts of the
old club and its zeal is already manifest in good roads, park improve-
ment and community welfare. All roads leading into the city have been
given special attention. Seven miles of gravel road have ah'eady been
built, which is one of the finest stretches of road in the state.
One of their achievements is a three acre free auto camping ground,
located one block off the Jefferson Highway. There is natural shade,
and city water is already in service. Ovens are provided for cooking
and fuel is at hand. A double bath room and lavoratories are promised.
All manner of tourists avail themselves and enjoy this open air hos-
pitality.
The band is another success, greatly aided and encouraged by
the Chamber of Commerce in engaging the full time of an instructor and
paying the cost of lessons for every boy who can own an instrument.
The band gives a free park concert every week during the season. For-
est Park, fronting the business district, is the pride of the city, and justly
so with its carpet of blue grass and splendid shade trees in variety.
Stanberry has one of the fine high schools of Northwest Missouri,
with 135 pupils. The graded school is also of like high order and has an
enrollment of 330 pupils.
Fraternities are organized and often become permanent elements
in the general advance. Societies are formed with special aims, pursue
their ways, attain their purposes, and in time yield to other unions with
other aims. In all these Stanberry has had, and still has a fair share.
The leading fratenities are : Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons Lodge
N. 109, with nearly 200 members; Eastern Star Chapter; Independent
Order of Odd Fellows with nearly 100 members; Daughters of Re-
bekah ; Knights of Pythias Lodge; Rathbone Sisters; Modern Woodmen
of America, and Woodmen of the World.
Fraternities in common with all things temporal suffer their ups and
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 275
downs. But the present standing of Stanberry's various orders is satis-
factory evidence of the desire for mutual and reciprocal fellowship
among her citizens. Each citizen, both men and women, find the place
and the opportunity to manifest a personal interest in community wel-
fare, and in social enlargment.
In the various activities called into being by the World War, and
which are properly treated as history belonging to the county as a whole
— Stanberry had a worthy part. The city went over the top in the Y. M.
C. A. drive, in the Red Cross work, and in the placing of United States
securities up to the war's end.
Just out of Stanberry to the east, is the old home of the famous pio-
neer pure blood stockman, L. E. Shattuck, and his unrivaled Merino
sheep, more fully set forth in the chapter on agriculture..
The Baptists erected their house of worship in 1880, and until June,
1882, it was the only house of worship in the town. The church was
organized with the following and other members: James Stockton and
wife, T. J. Stockton, Jr., and wife, Christian Buchanan, Daniel Allen
and wife, Levi Long and wife, G. B. Cooper and wife, Oliver Long and
wife, Thomas H. Swearingen, wife and two sons, O. Swearingen and
wife, P. W. Stockton and wife. The first pastor was Israel Christy.
The M. E. Church effected its organization in April, 1880, with the
following members: A. D. Hawes and wife, Solomon Hartzell and wife,
M. A. Dunseth and wife. Dr. B. N. Bond and wife, J. C. Millory and wife,
Jacob Burris and wife, O. P. Kutzner and wife, Mrs. N. A. Morris, Miss
Lizzie Morris. Rev. J. R. Sassen was present at the organization of the
church, and was the first pastor.
The Presbyterians perfected an organization in the winter of 1880.
Among others on that occasion were Mrs. A. P. Ambrose, A. R. Fye, L.
A. Kimball, W. F. Miller and wife, and C. F. Gardner.
The Christian Church was organized in 1880, with 61 members,
now disbanded. The first preacher who labored for the congregation at
this place was Elder J. H. Coffey.
The Catholics erected a house of worship in 1880. Rev. Robert E.
Graham is the present pastor.
King City — King City, near the south line of the county on the Bur-
lington railroad is one of the three cities of the county, and notable above
its fellows for at least three things: blue grass seed, pure bred seed corn,
and poultry products. It has a Commercial Club of which F. A. Hobson
is president and T. H. McElroy is secretary. It has two newspapers. The
King City Chronicle and The Tri-County News. It has an American
276 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Legion Post. It has a first class high school. It has four churches, each
in its own home of brick, the Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist, and
Christian. It has three banks, with aggregate capital and surplus of
nearly a quarter million dollars. First National Bank and Trust Com-
pany, Citizens National Bank, and Farmers Trust Company. It takes
nearly forty business houses to handle the city's activity.
King City is one of the greatest centers for the collection and dis-
tribution of blue grass seed in the nation. This industry brings much
outside business to the county, and carries with it a considerable trade
in other seeds as well. A large number of our farmers participate.
It is also true of poultry and dairy products, that a large volume of
business originates here. Everything is favorable. The climate is ideal
for poultry, and the conditions are splendid for the dairy man. The pro-
duction is high, and the enterprise of King City, both wholesale and
retail sees to it that the business shall center there. King City enjoys the
reputation of making things agreeable for business transactions.
As might be expected, the usual orders, fraternities, and social
groups, flourish in King City. A fine public spirit prevails, and benevo-
lence is an active virtue.
The churches are earnest in purpose, and faithful in performance.
Each in its own sphere doing a worthy share of the work that delivers
the world from evil. The Presbyterian Church of King City, is the
largest of the denomination in the county. Dr. E. E. Stringfield is pas-
tor. They have six elders and five decon-trustees, and a membership of
284. The congregation is finely organized for Sabbath School work,
young people's work and missionary work. In 1868 the Cumberland
Church was organized in King City. The first pastor was P. H. Crider,
In 1872 the Presbyterian U. S. A. was organized. The first pastor, J.
W. Morrison. In July 1906, the two churches were united, both pastors
resigning. Rev. Geo. E. Newell became the first pastor of the United
Church.
Their present commodious $18,000.00 church home was dedicated
June 14th, 1914.
Jefferson Highway passes through the city, and Jackson Township
has voted $85,000.00 bonds for road improvement.
King City was laid out in July, 1869, and plat filed November 1,
1869, by John Pittsenbarger, on section 32, township 61. range 32.
Kate Carter's first Addition made October 14. 1879; Kate Carter's
Second Addition made June 7. 1880; Trotter's Addition made Aoril
19. 1880.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 277
Closely identified with the history of King City, is the old pioneer,
John Pittsenbarger. He pitched his tent upon the original town site, in
the spring of 1856, emigrating from Clinton County, Indiana. He pur-
chased the quarter section upon which the town is located. John Millen
lived five miles north, Joel Taylor six miles south, and John McDaniel
three miles west. These were his nearest neighbors. In 1858, a post
office was applied for, and the name "Petersburg" was chosen, but Post-
master General King replied that there was another name similar to that
in the state, and the matter of selecting a name being left with him, he
called it King City, after himself. Mr. Pittsenbarger was the first post-
master. At that time there were but a few persons to receive mail, the
country surrounding being six or seven feet high in wild grass and
abounding in wild game.
Pittsenbarger was the first blacksmith, A G. Barton, first saddler,
J. N. Taylor, first livery stable keeper, and Bela M. Hughes kept the
first drug store and was the first physician.
The next settler to build a house where the town now stands was
James McDaniel, who came from DeKalb County, Missouri, in 1859. He
built a small house for a grocery store. McDaniel went to Indiana dur-
ing the war. The third building was erected by Abner Clark, from
Iowa, about the year 1860 — genei'al merchandise. Clark was in the
Union army, and settled in Ohio after the war.
Brett and Bundle were among the early settlers of the place, and
put up a house for groceries. Bundle afterwards went to St. Joseph, and
Brett was killed about 1866. Brett kept in connection with his grocery,
a house of entertainment. About noon one day, during 1S66, three
strange, rough-looking men, from Grand River, stopped for dinner, and
while eating one of them remarked that Brett was no better than a
horse thief. An orphan boy that Brett was raising was in the dining
room at the time, and hearing what the stranger said, went immediately
and repeated it to Brett, who took his revolver and requested the stran-
ger (Cogdell was his name) to take it back or apologize. Codgell at
once drew his revolver, and both commenced discharging their weapons,
Brett being finally killed and Cogdell having his finger shot off.
King City made but little, if any, advancement until the fall of
1879 and the spring of 1880, just after the completion of the St. Joseph
and Des Moines Railroad. The building of this road gave the town a
new impetus, and it has been steadily increasing in population and
importance ever since.
King City was incorporated in May, 1881, under the village act,
with G. P. Bigelow as president of the board, the names of the remainder
278 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
or the board being W. H. Alexander, C. P. Stowe, M. E. Brown, and
James McCarty. E. C. Shepard, Clerk; W. J. Woodside, marshal;
George Ward, treasurer.
Gentryville. — Gentryville, the largest town in the county without a
railroad was laid out August 2, 1848, on the southwest quarter of section
36, township 62, range 31, by Charles Gay. About the same time, Rob-
ert Givauden filed his plat of an addition to the town.
Whedbee filed his plat of an addition, February 6, 18?X
Taylor filed his plat of an addition, February 17, 1874.
Crane filed his plat of his first addition, January 1, 1870.
Crane filed his plat of second addition, February 26, 1872.
Frisbie filed his plat of an addition, March 20, 1871.
The town is handsomely located on the south bank of Grand River,
upon an elevation gently rising towards the east and south. The river,
at this point, after flowing in a westward direction by the principal busi-
ness portion of the town, makes an abrupt turn to the south, continuing
on its course for several hundred yards, when it again deflects in a south-
westward direction. The river is from 60 to 100 feet in width and
abounds in a variety of fishes. Its banks are still covered with much of
the native forest, whose quiet and cooling shades are enjoyed by the
inhabitants of the little town. Gentryville has a population of 200.
William Weese, from Tennessee, built the first house, a log cabin,
about the year 1838, on the original town site. The next building was
erected by Gay and Hunter, and the third building was put up by Robert
Boggs, a carpenter, who came from Pennsylvania, among the early set-
tlers. Boggs, from 1856 to 1862, was one of the county judges of Gen-
try County; he moved to St. Joseph, Mo., in 1864. He was a nephew of
Governor Boggs, of Missouri. The first business house was erected by
Francis B. Robidoux, in 1843. Robidoux, was the son of Joseph Robi-
doux, of St. Joseph ; he dealt in general merchandise and was succeeded
by another Frenchman.
John Hunt, from Kentucky, was the early "village blacksmith," the
Rev. E. W. Dunegan being the next, in 1848.
The first minister who proclaimed the word of God in" the new set-
tlement was Reverend Melise, of the M. E. Church; this was about the
year 1841 — services being held at the residence of a man named Milton
Foster.
The pioneer physician of the town was Dr. Uncle, from Jackson
County, Missouri, who located there in 1842. After remaining one or
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 279
two years he went to California. Dr. L. C. Whedbee came in 1844, and
resided in Gentryville till 1858, when he moved to Texas.
The Rev. Mr. Cline, from Buchanan County, Missouri, organized
the first church (Baptist) in Gentryville, Oct. 26, 1850, at the school
house. Among those who were present at its formation were I. N. Car-
son, O. B. Ferguson, Elder T. R. Ferguson, James Fuller, N. Mothersead
and E. W. Dunegan.
T. R. Ferguson was the first pastor, and was succeeded by Elder
Benjamin Wheeler, Isaac Christie, N. M. Allen, E. W. Dunegan and
others. Elder Dunegan has labored more or less in the pulpit of this
church.
A house of worship was built by the Missionary Baptists in 1857.
The M. E. Church, M. E. Church, South, and Christian denomina-
tions each have an organization.
Elder Samuel Trice, from Clinton County, Missouri, was one of the
earliest ministers of the Christian denomination at Gentryville, Hiram
Warnier being the first.
The first school was taught in 1849 by A. G. Whitton, who was
succeeded by David Cranor.
L. C. Whedbee kept the first hotel.
Gentryville Lodge, No. 125, of A. F. & A. M., was organized in
November, 1849, and worked for a while under dispensation from the'
Grand Lodge till it obtained a charter, in 1851. It is the oldest lodge
in Gentry County, and, indeed, in the Grand River country. From it
has been organized, in part, the following lodges: Athens Lodge, of
this county ; Bethany Lodge, Harrison County ; Rochester Lodge, An-
drew County; Pattonsburg Lodge, Daviess County; Maysville Lodge,
DeKalb County; Havana Lodge, Gentry County, and Berlin Lodge,
Gentry County. The first officers were as follows: N. P. Thompson,
W. M.; D. C. Conway, S. W.; William Raines, J. W. ; J. R. Conway, S.
D. ; W. A. Blackwood, J. D.; John Hunt, Tyler.
Although not a national or state holiday, the 3rd of August is as
well established and as highly regarded as the 4th of July. For over
forty years it has been the date of the Annual County Picnic at Gentry-
ville.
In 1889 after years of experience, articles of incorporation were
granted to the Gentryville Picnic Company.
McFall — McFall was laid out by the Western Improvement Com-
pany in the fall of 1879, the plat of the town being filed on the 8th of
October. It is located on the southeast quarter of section 1, township
280 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
61, range 30, on the Wabash Railroad. Hamilton & Phillips, of Beth-
any, Harrison County, Missouri, built the first house in the town. F. M.
Brown, from Daviess County, Missouri, furnished the lumber, having
at that time just established himself in the lumber business at McFall.
Several buildings were commenced at or about the same time. Among
these was an office built by Mr. Brown.
The town of McFall received its name from John McFall, Sr., who
owned the land, where this town is located. He settled here about
1843 and later went to Phoenix, Arizona, where he died in 1893.
McFall is a thriving town of 447 population. All business found
in the average town is here represented. The town is noted for its
good schools and its progressive and enterprising spirit of its citizens.
Ford City. — Ford City is located on the Burlington railroad in
Jackson Township. It has a bank and a number of enterprising busi-
ness houses. The population is 185.
Alanthus. — Alanthus is located in Wilson Township and has a pop-
ulation of 104. The nearest railroad is the Wabash at Stanben-y, about
six miles distant.
Island City. — Island City, another inland village is located in Jack-
son Township, about six miles south and a little west of Stanberry. It is
about the same distance northwest of Ford City.
Darlington — Charles G. Comstock, Esq., filed the plat of Darling-
ton, March 31, 1879, locating the town site on section four, township 62,
range 31. A. H. Bennett laid the foundation for the first residence in
the town. John Livingston built the next house in April, 1879 which
was used for a restaurant. Horace J. Bennett was the first black-
smith, and George B. Marshall was the first shoemaker. John Living-
ston sold the first goods. T. J. Welford was the first doctor.
Darlington is located at the intersection of the Wabash and Bur-
lington railroads and has a population of 311, census of 1920. It is an
important shipping and trading point.
Berlin. — On May 1, 1874, Samuel Robertson filed the plat of Ber-
lin, locating the town on the southeast quarter of section 26, township
61, range 31. Peter Cline, who had been in business (general merchan-
dise) at Buhlville, as soon as the new town of Berlin was founded,
moved his goods and house to that place and opened the first business
house in Berlin. Samuel Levy and others soon followed. Berlin is
located in the midst of a fine farming country, one mile north of the
DeKalb County line. The population is 69.
Gentry. — The town of Gentry is located on the Burlington railroad,
on sections 19 and 20, Bogle Township. It is a progressive town located
tflStORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 2^1
in the center of a rich agricultural district and has a population of 217.
Evona. — Evona is located on the Wabash railroad three and one
half miles south of Albany. In the early days when the Wabash rail-
road was built, this was a town of more importance, but now its busi-
ness interest is represented by one store. The town was laid out in
1879. The first house was built by Richard L. Smith and used for a
hotel. Baker and Hatfield, Barton and Hamilton and William Donil-
son were early merchants here.
A number of other small towns in the county have ceased to be
of any importance.
CHAPTER XI.
AGRICULTURE AND ALLIED INDUSTRY.
FAVORABLE SOIL AND CLIMATE— DIVERSITY OF PRODUCTS— CORN EXHIBITS— POUL-
TRY SHOW— COMPARISON OF 1902 CROP— LIVE STOCK AND OTHER PRODUCTS-
DOMESTIC ANIMALS— WORLD'S FAIR WINNERS— STOCK BREEDERS— POI'LTRY
EXPERTS— FINE GRASSES — CALF AND PIG SHOW — HORSES — "IF GENTRY
COUNTY WERE MY NATIVE LAND."
Nature in a large measure decrees what the majority pursuits of
the population shall be. The physical features are of lasting impor-
tance. Gentry County is fortunate in its diversity of surface and nat-
ural features, not all prairie, not all timber, not all level or gently undu-
lating, not all broken and hilly. It is historically asserted that the Gar-
den of Eden might have been located in Harrison County. It is to be re-
gretted that it was not so located, since our first parents, upon their
exile, following the Star of Empire in its westward course would have
found themselves immediately in Gentry County.
The soil and climate, in garden, orchard and farm, produce a mul-
titude of things that delight the housewife, sustain the workers, and
add to the pleasure and comfort of all ages and conditions and in
many articles the surplus becomes a staple commodity of commerce. As
a land of milk and honey, Gentry County qualified from the earliest
times. It is far more. It is a land of apples, pears and peaches ; a land of
cherries and small fruits; a land of kitchen gardens; a land of rhubarb,
horse radish, and piccalilli. There is scarcely any limit except the
will of the gardener and the good pleasure of the cook, scarcely any
break in the round of production of things pleasing to the eye, and de-
licious to the palate. Parsnips are ready the minute the frost is out.
Lettuce and young onions follow. Then comes the pieplant. Green
peas are early. New potatoes and cream compete with young beets and
butter. Strawberries are earliest of fruits, then the beans and early
sweet corn. Tomatoes help to fill out the summer; apple sauce ditto.
The autumn brings squash, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. Vary these
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 283
with milk, cream, butter, fresh eggs and young fries, buckwheat cakes
and honey. This is "good old summer time" in Gentry County.
We here present a complete report of the Gentry County Corn and
Poultry Show for 1921. From the Albany Ledger of November 24, 1921.
"Exhibitors and visitors alike at the Gentry Country Corn and
Poultry Show held in Albany last week unite in declaring it to be the
biggest and best exhibition yet given by the association. Especially
was the display of poultry a surprise to the average visitor, as few of
them realized birds of the quality shown are being raised in this county.
The show was so successful that doubtless greater efforts will be put
into future ones and have them bigger and better than the one this
year.
"In the corn judging contests by pupils of the public schools of the
county and some high schools in adjoining county interest was shown.
In the high school contests, Bethany, Maysville, New Hampton and
Albany were each represented by two teams of four members. In the
corn judging, Bethany carried off first honors, and in the stock judging
Albany won first place. The grades of all teams ran close. Saturday
was rural school day, and thirty-seven boys representing the various
schools of the county were present to judge. Gentry County carried
off first prize.
"In the corn exhibits the following prizes were awarded : Boy's
and Girls' Classes. — Best single white ear — 1st, Clayton Saunders, Al-
bany ; 2d, Homer Williams, Albany. Best single ear yellow corn — 1st,
Marshall Collier, Ford City; 2d, Carlos Spaht, Albany. Sweepstakes,
single — Marshall Colllier. Best 10 ears of white corn — 1st, Clayton
Saunders; 2d, Homer Williams; 3d, Wayne Rainy, King City; ^th,
Frank Morris, Lone Star; 5th Curtis Broderick, Stanberry. Best 10
ears yellow corn — 1st, Roy Barnes, Albany; 2d, Glen Allenbrand, Dar-
lington; 3d, Cleo Blodgett, Albany; 4th, Carlos Spaht; 5th, Will Welch,
Albany. Sweepstakes 10 ears — Clayton Saunders. Sweepstakes single
ear — Marshal! Collier.
"Men's Classes. — Best single ear white com — 1st, Clayton Saun-
ders; 2d, Wayne Rainy. Best single ear yellow corn — 1st, H. R. Collier,
Ford City; 2d, Billy Johnson, Darlington. Sweepstakes single ear —
Clayton Saunders. Best 10 ears yellow corn — 1st, E. N. Clark, Darling-
ton; 2d, Ross Allenbrand, Albany; 3d, Billy Johnson; 4th, Jesse John-
son; 5th, J. W. Blodgett. Best 10 ears white com — 1st, Clayton Saun-
ders; 2d, Wayne Rainey; 3d, E. N. Clark; 4th, L. H. Williams; 5th,
Jesse Johnson. Grand champion single ear — Marshall Collier. Grand
champion 10 ears — Clayton Saunders.
284 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
"The poultry exhibit was the largest ever on display at a local
show in this county. The wire cooping in which 385 birds were placed
was so arranged that it made an attractive and convenient exhibit for
the large crowds that viewed the display during the day and evenings
in which the hall was open to the public.
"Not only did the local people take an interest in the fine exhibit
but there were visitors from every adjoining county and some from a
greater distance.
"There were 34 exhibitors and 26 breeds of birds, as follows:
Barred Plymouth Rocks — John Welch, Albany, 2nd pen ; 2nd on cock.
W. L. Brown, King City, 1st pen; 1st cock, 1st, 2nd and 3rd cockerel;
1st, 2nd, 3rd pullet; 3rd hen. Mrs. A. L. Perry, Albany, 3rd on pen.
Earl Summa, Gentry, 3rd cock; 1st, 2nd hen. Other exhibitors were
J. W. Kerlin, Albany; Dewey Staton, Darlington; Paul and Leone
Guess, Albany.
"White Rocks — Mrs. S. R. Giles, Albany, 1st, and 3rd cockerel ;
and 3rd hen. Mrs. O. C. Hankins, Albany, 2nd cockerel; 2nd pullet.
Mrs. Carl Gillespie, Albany, 1st hen.
"Buff Orphingtons — W. C. Campbell, Grant City, 1st pen; 1st
cockerel ; 1st and 2nd pullet. Mrs. G. W. Lainhart, Albany, 3rd cock-
erel. Mrs. H. A. Miller, Darlington, 3rd pullet.
"Dark Brahmas — Dr. W. B. McCoy, Gentryville, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, old
pen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd young pen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd, hen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd pullet.
"Black Langshans — Mrs. Carl Gillespie, Albany, 1st pen; 2nd
cock. Mrs. G. W. Lainhart, Albany, 1st pen. C. J. Yarrington, Albany,
1st cock; 1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel.
"Silver laced Wyandottes- — Mrs. Jennie Degginger, Albany; 1st,
2nd pullet; 1st cockerel. Roy Felts, Darlington, 1st. 2nd cock; 1st
and 2nd hen; 3rd pullet.
Mottled Javas — Clarence Baldock, Albany, 1st cock; 2nd pen.
"Black Minorcas — Steve Cassity, Darlington, 1st and 2nd pen.
"Anaconas — J. H. Wolf, Albany, 3rd pullet.
1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel; 1st, 2nd, 3rd hen; 1st, 2nd pullet.
"White Wyandottes — Mrs. Carl Gillispie, Albany; 1st pen; 1st
cockerel; 1st pullet; 1st, 2nd, 3rd hen; 3rd cock. Mrs. Eugene Larmer,
Albany, 3rd cockerel ; 3rd pullet. Mrs. Ross Allenbrand, Gentry ; 2nd
pen, 2nd pullet. Earl Summa, Gentry, 1st, 2nd cock; 2nd cockerel.
"Single Comb White Leghorns — Mrs. Carl Gillispie, Albany, 2nd
cockerel, 2nd and 3rd hen. W. C. Brown, Bethany, 1st cockerel, 1st
hen ; 1st pullet.
"Buff Leghorns — T. E. Magee, Albany, 1st, 2nd pullet.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 285
"Rose comb Rhode Island Reds — Mrs. G. W. Chenoweth, Albany,
1st cock. Mrs. Emma Culp, Albany, 1st, 2nd cockerel; 1st, 2nd pullet.
"Single Comb Rhode Island Reds — Mrs. Grey Gill, Albany, 1st
cock; 1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel; 1st hen; 1st, 2nd pullet; 2nd pen. Earl
Summa, Gentry, 3rd cock; 2nd and 3rd hen. James S. Stecker, Win-
ston, 1st pen ; 2nd cock ; 3rd pullet. Other exhibitors in this class were
Volley Siddens, Albany; R. R. French, King City.
"Rose Comb White Leghorns — Earl Summa, Gentry, 1st, 2nd, 3rd
cock; 1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel; 1st, 2nd, 3rd hen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd pullet.
» "Dark Cornish — Earl Summa, 1st, 2nd, 3rd cockerel; 1st, 2nd 3rd
hen; 1st, 2nd, 3rd pullet.
"Black Breasted Red Game — Earl Summa, 1st cock ; 1st, 2nd ckl. ;
1st, 2nd, 3rd hen; 1st and 2nd pullet.
"Bantams — Dr. W. B. McCoy, Gentryville, 1st cockerel; 1st pullet
on Dark Brahams. Harlen Giles, Albany, 1st cock; 1st hen; 1st cock-
erel, on Black Cochins. Roy Felts, Darlington; 2nd cock; 2nd hen on
black Cochins. James Hacker, 1st cock; 1st and 2nd hen on Golden
Seabrights. Roy Felts, 1st, 2nd, 3rd on White Cochin, Black Tail Jap-
anese, Buff Cochin, Millfleur, Japanese Silken.
A brief analysis of this report easily reveals its historic value. Such
a shovi^ presupposes so much of past endeavors and implies so much of
present interest .
Twenty-six breeds of pure bred poultry attest the progress of this
great industry throughout the country. It has taken labor, intelligence,
and above all, years of time, to make such an exhibition possible. It is
a sort of declaration that poultry products are of primary importance in
our list of resources. Such success and diversity is only posiible in a
region where eggs and chickens have been a large item in the farm
income for generations.
A patch of corn was the first farm crop produced by white men
in the county. From that far summer of 1834 to the present time, corn
has ever been a leader. The splendid Exhibition of 1921 manifests the
constant interest in this great product. Highly significant is the fact
that High School pupils, both boys and girls, from adjacent counties
united with like pupils of our own county in the judging contests.
Where such a crop is concerned, but little is left to chance. The crop
begins with the selection of the ears for seed. Preparation of the soil
is carefully planned; perfected planters are used, and the best style of
cultivator is sought for. Intelligent care and regard for weather con-
ditions are considered well worth while, until the crop is made. Back
of the individual crop is the system of rotation largely followed as the
286
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
result of multiplied experimentation. The farmers of the county wel-
come and profit by all that science and agricultural colleges have thus
far demonstrated.
GENTRY COUNTY'S 1902 CROP.
Corn
Wheat
Oats
Hay
Forage
Broom Corn
Clover Seed
Grass Seed
Tobacco
Potatoes
Vegetables
Acres
98,793
1,515
5,940
45,210
7,735
60
819
890
Product
4,149,306
30,300
196,020
76,855
10,315
32,000
80
6,670
7,200
98,280
Value
$1,306,030
17,425
50,965
384,275
51,575
910
440
10,340
720
23,590
45,360
$1,891,630
LIVE STOCK AND PRODUCTS.
Kind
Number
Cattle
45,460
Horses
13,173
Mules
1,375
Asses and Jennets
98
Sheep
18,710
Swine
69,027
Chickens
173,199
Turkeys
6,420
Geese
4,328
Ducks
3,028
Swarms of Bees
3,435
Honey
114,500
Wool
86,200
Milk
3,097,068
Butter
599,430
Eggs
1,004,460
Total
Value
$1,477,450
878,200
103,125
9,800
62,365
690,270
156,940
10,575
14,315
14,365
201,495
125,560
$3,744,460
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
287
1919 Number
Value
Total all crops
Corn, Bushels
1,834,558
Ooats
240,658
Wheat
403,576
Hay and Forage
1,140,024
Potatoes
13,741
Vegetables
164,296
143,825
Fruits and Nuts
$5,344,754
All Animals
Number
Value
♦Cattle
27,345
1,701,350
Horses
11,218
838,938
Mules
2,541
352,953
Sheep
29,730
379,073
Swine
41,112
532,123
Chickens
310,608
Other Poultry
8,120
328,775
Dairy Products total value
308,097
Poultry Products total value
695,018
Wool
84,257
$4,140,592
*Does not include city and town animals.
Analysis of these tables shows some radical changes for the 17-year
period. Among the crops — Corn and Irish potatoes have greatly dimin-
ished in volume. Wheat from almost nothing has risen to third place in
acreage. Oats have doubled in acreage. Vegetables have tripled in
value. Hay and forage have practically held their own in acreage while
vastly increasing in value.
Among domestic animals — Cattle have diminished 40 per cent in
number while slightly increasing in net value. Swine have decreased in
both number and value about 25 per cent. The slight decrease in horses
is overcome by the increase in value of mules. Sheep have increased 40
per cent in number and 500 per cent in value. Chickens have increased
80 per cent in number and over 100 per cent in value. Poultry products
have increased in value about 150 per cent. Dairy products have in-
creased over 50 per cent in value. Sheep, wheat and poultry have
greatly advanced in volume.
The assessed valuation of the county is now approximately $35.-
000,000.00 — more than doubling in the last twenty years' period.
An item of current history is taken from the Albany Ledger, Dec.
288 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
1, 1921 : "Of all the big turkeys that were sold in this vicinity for the
Thanksgiving trade, the largest so far reported is that which Frank
Monger, from north of town, sold to W. A. Grace. The bird weighed 36
pounds and brought 35 cents a pound, the total being $12.60. Some
bird ! Some price !
These clippings speak for themselves. The King City article will
show how our corn growers fared at the International Corn Show in
1921. August 23, 1921. From the King City Chronicle — "At the State
Fair now on at Sedalia, Gentry County became famous by winning prac-
tically all the yellow corn blue ribbons, and being awarded two grand
champion prizes. The thanks of the county is due to Messrs. Alva Mann,
John Potter and Joe W. Boley, and others for producing the corn that
won the prizes and has made this county famous. The report of the win-
nings came in too late to give verj' extended comment, but we will give
the winnings as they were reported to the Chronicle, by John Potter,
for which he has our special thanks: Bushel Yellow Com — Alva Mann,
1st; also Grand Champion on bushel. John Potter, 2nd; and Joe W. Bo-
ley, 3rd. Ten Ear Yellow — John Potter, 1st; also Champion on ten ears.
Sanford Shilder, 3rd ; Alva Mann, 5th. Single ear, yellow, men's class —
John Potter, 1st; also Grand Champion on single ear. L. H. Williams,
3rd; Joe W. Boley, 4th; Joe L. Boley, 5th. Ten ears yellow, young men,
over 16 and under 20 — Pearl Mann, 1st; Bessie Potter, 2nd. Single ear,
yellow — Bessie Potter, 1st. Ten ears, yellow, young men under 16 —
Hervert Potter, 1st; Francis Boley, 2nd. Second ear, yellow — Frances
Boley, 1st ; Herbert Potter, 5th. Ten ears, other than white or yellow —
Francis Boley, 3rd. Single ear, other than white or yellow — Walter
Pryor, 1st; also Champion. Ten ears popcorn — Alva Mann, 1st."
Albany Capital, January 26, 1922 — "Those live corn specialists
over in the south part of Gentry County just about swept the board on
prizes at the Missouri State Corn Show at Columbia, during Farmers
Week. Alva Mann and Joe Boley returned from the big meeting at Co-
lumbia, last week, and reported the following corn prizes captured for
Gentry County, in competition against the whole United States: On Bu-
shel Yellow Corn — Joe W. Boley, 1st; Alva Mann, 2nd; John Potter 3rd.
On 10 Ears Yellow Corn (men's class) — John Potter, 1st; Joseph L. Bo-
ley, 2nd; Pearl Mann, 3rd; Joe W. Boley, 4th; Walter Prior, 5th; San-
ford Shidler, 7th. On 10 Ears Yellow (boy's class)— Herbert Potter,
1st; Francis Boley, 2nd; Dale Rainey, 5th; Wayne Mann, 7th. On
Single Ear Yellow (men's class) — Joe W. Boley, 2nd; Sanford Shidler,
3rd; Walter Prior, 6th. Single Ear Yellow (boy's class) — Frances Bo-
I
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 289
ley, 2nd. On 10 Ears White (men's class) — Wayne Rainey, 5th. Cham-
pion 10 Ears Yellow (boy's class) — Herbert Potter. Sweepstakes 10
Ears Yellow (men's class) — John Potter. In addition to winning the
cash premiums and other prizes that went with the ribbons in all the
above awards, the boys put Gentry County still more thoroughly on the
map as the place where the best corn in the state is grown, and they are
entitled to a lot of credit for the remarkable showing which they made
in this new contest against the best corn in the land.
Feb. 2, 1922- — In attempting to give a list of those who won corn
prizes, at the recent state show at Columbia, The Capital last week
omitted two of the Gentry County boys who carried away prizes: Dale
Rainey won first in the Boys' Class on 10 ears White corn, and Wayne
Rainey won first in the boys' class on 10 ears White corn, and Wayne
Rainey took second prize (boys' class) on 10 ears of Calico corn.
As far back as 1893 Gentry County began to make exhibition his-
tory at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Missouri captured 400
premiums, of which Gentry County won 75. Among them four firsts. Al-
most a fifth of the state winnings came to our County. The AFoany
Ledger of Oct. 31, 1983, puts it thus: "Citizens of Gentry County, are
you not proud of the fact that with the world as competitor our county
took four first premiums at the World's Fair, or, it captured every pre-
mium it contested for. L. E. Shattuck took first premium on Merino
sheep and first on largest fleece of wool produced. C. G. Comstock, first
premium in Jack Show, and a Stanberry man first premium in book-
keeper's contest. With these honors won at Chicago our citizens can go
out through the wide world and say, 'I am a resident of the county that
took more premiums at the World's Fair, than any other county on the
map.' "
Mr. L. E. Shattuck, of near Stanberry, before his early death in
1894, had done much pioneer work in bringing the improvement of cat-
tle, sheep and hogs to the attention of farmers and breeders. His Merino
flock from the early '80's became a national asset of the highest order.
He also brought in some of the very first pure bred short horn cattle and
Berkshire hogs. The blue ribbon flock he started so long ago is still go-
ing strong at the old stand.
C. G. Comstock was an early enthusia.st for better mules and Here-
ford cattle. Other early breeders were James Castor, Keef Judd and
Calvin Spessard.
The following list, for 1922, furnished by Mr. Saunders, County
Agent, shows how the interest in pure bred stock has grown:
290 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Poland China Breeders — A. B. Durbin & Son, King City, Mo.; E.
G. Fisher, King City, Mo. ; L. C. Loest, King City, Mo. ; A. T. Robertson,
Albany; Wm. Miller, Stanberry; Wm. Ketchum, Stanberry.
Duroc Jersey Breeders — W. A. Melton, Albany ; Carl Gillespie, Al-
bany; John Parman, Albany; J. H. Degginger, Albany; L. A. Saunders,
Albany; Dan Gibson, Jr., New Hampton; Orlin Stephens, Gentry.
Shorthorn Cattle — Charles S. Allen, Stanberry ; Frank Allen, Stan-
berry; Melvin Gregg, Stanberry; A. T. Stockton, Stanberry; D. C.
Thomas, Stanberry; W. A. Melton, Albany; J. H. Degginger, Albany.
Aberdeen Angus Cattle — L. C. Loest, King City; A. T. Robertson,
Albany; Robert Larmer, Stanberry; Dr. R. R. Dunshee, Stanberry.
Hereford Cattle — Carl Gillespie, Albany; J. M. Slagle, Ravenwood.
Jersey Cattle Breeders — John Doyle, Albany; Mrs. Mary Culver,
King City.
Holstein Cattle — Gust Spaht, Albany; Casper Gantz, King City;
Orlin Stephens, Gentry.
Feb. 17, 1921. "With Poultry Experts — Mr. and Mrs. Mose Green's
Shelternook Farm, north of Albany, is gaining wide reputation with
poultry breeders over the United States. The Shelternook Dark Brown
Leghorns have won just about all the prizies in the big shows at Kansas
City and other places, in competition with the best birds in America,
and the success of Mr. and Mrs. Green has attracted the attention of
poultry growers throughout the land, and has also reached government
oihcials in such a way that they want Shelternook methods to become
of value to soldiers who are taking up the poultry branch of vocational
training.
"Last Sunday J. H. Wolfe arrived in Albany, and has gone out to
the Green home to spend a year studying the Dark Brown Leghorn
birds and the extensive manner in which they are being produced at
Shelternook. Mr. Wolfe's home was at Sedalia, Mo., prior to his call to
service in the world war. He sustained health disabilities in the army
and was sent at government expense the past year to the Kansas State
Agricultural College at Manhattan, Kan. He wanted to specialize in
poultry, and so the government has now sent him to spend the coming
year studying methods at the Green farm, north of Albany, as it is rec-
ognized that there is no better authority on Dark Brown Leghorns in
the United States than Mr. and Mrs. Green, whose birds from Shelter-
nook have swept the ribbons and prizes wherever they have been placed
on exhibition the last few years.
Fine Grasses for Fair — Capital, July 28, 1904 — "J. P. McCammon,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 291
Ed. S. Gibbany and W. F. Sager, the committee appointed by the county
court, last Saturday forwarded to St. Louis Gentry County's last install-
ment of grasses to be entered in the World's Fair contest. In the con-
signment sent last Saturday were some as fine grasses as were ever
gathered in Gentry County, or, probably, in any county in the United
States. One bunch of red clover, grown by John Dale on Sampson Creek,
measured 82 inches in length. Two bunches of the bluegrass measured
67 inches in length — one bunch having been grown by R. T. Canaday
and the other by Frank Hicks. Frank Seamands entered a bunch of al-
falfa over 6 feet in height. A bunch of timothy 6 feet 4 inches in height
was furnished by S. R. Williams and there were several other bunches
a close second. In addition to the foregoing, there were numerous other
bunches of grass that spoke eloquently of the richness of Gentry County
soil, and it was the opinion of all who saw them that this county ought
certainly to capture some prizes on grasses at the Fair."
Stanberry Democrat, Oct. 30, 1903: "We are informed that Gentry
County was "in it" at the Kansas City stock show. C. Folgate won first
prize with one of his fine Duroc-Jersey hogs. He sold this prize winner
hog for $300. This was the highest price paid for any hog during the
show.
Profit in Cattle — Albany Capital, March 9, 1922 : "J. M. Slagle,
the Hereford cattle man, was down from the northwest corner of the
county last Saturday, and called to place advertising of a couple of ani-
mals he had for sale. Mr. Slagle returned last Thursday from the
Round-Up sale at'Kansas City, in which sale he marketed two yearling
Herefords for $570. In the spring of 1917 Mr. Slagle bought a Hereford
cow from a down-state herd. This cow has since brought him five calves.
He has sold four of them for $1,260, and still has the cow and one calf
left. J. M. feels absolutely confident that there is still a good profit in
the game for the farmers and breeders who raise and feed good live-
stock, and who pay proper attention to the rotation of crops and the up-
keep of their farms. The appended complete report of a recent "Pig
and Calf Show," illustrates present activity.
Tri-County Calf and Pig Show — Albany Ledger, Sept. 29, 1921:
"Probably the most interesting community affair ever held in King City,
was the calf and pig club show of last week. Thirty-one boys and four
girls brought out 144 pigs and 10 baby beeves. The boys and girls had
spent almost one year of consistent effort and their labors were amply
rewarded in the large cash premiums and the satisfaction of having ac-
complished something worth while. Everyone is interested in the boys
292 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
and girls, and there was intense interest all through the show. Nothing
has been quite so satisfactory as the club work in this community, and
it will be continued from year to year.
The Commercial Club of King City is to be highly commended not
only for the large amount of cash and the ideal accommodations which
they so freely gave, but for the personal interest which every business
man of King City took in the show.
The quality of the animals shown was so high that although there
were eleven places in some of the classes, yet many animals worthy of a
first place in some shows had to go without a ribbon. Carl Gillespie, of
Albany, and Harry Messick, of Bolckow, did an excellent and satisfac-
tory job of judging.
In the class for best boar, Theron Sweat, of McFall, took first on
probably the most outstanding pig in the show. In the class for the
best barrow, Cary Berry, of King City, took first on an excellent indi-
vidual. In the class for best gilt, William Danbury, of King City, took
first. This was certainly a great class, there being 41 competing. The
best litter of four pigs was exhibited by Theron Sweat.
In the baby beef class an excellent array greeted the judges. First
place went to Lucille Loest, daughter of L. C. Loest, of King City, on pre-
sumably the best show heifer ever exhibited in Gentry County. Mr.
Loest is a breeder of excellent Aberdeen-Angus cattle and this heifer,
while not a pure bred heifer, shows the value of the use of high class
pure bred sires of the correct type. Miss Loest not only won the $30
cash prize contributed by the Commercial Club but also $25 in cash and
a gold wrist watch valued at $25, contributed by the Aberdeen-Angus
Breeders Association of Chicago, making a total of $80. She will show
this calf at St. Joseph in the baby beef show October 3, 4, 5, where she
confidently hopes to take first place. Charlotte Loest's calf was placed
2nd ; Thelma Cummings', 3rd ; Glenn Boone's, 4th ; Loren Holeman's
5th; Ralph Justice's 6th; Fred Justice's, 7th; Donald Martin's. 8th;
George Dierenfeldt's, 9th; Carl Loest's, 10th. All of these calves will
go to the St. Joseph show next week, also Forest Slagle and Wilma
Harkrider, north of Alanthus, will send two choice Hereford calves.
Clayton Saunders, of Albany, will also take one Hereford calf. Five of
the best calves sent from this county will have all of their expenses paid
by the Stock Yard Company. And all expense of the boys and girls who
exhibit the calves will also be paid.
Many new membei's have already signed up for the work next
year in the Tri-County club at King City, and there will, without doubt,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 293
be at least three times as many enrolled for 1922 as we had this year.
There is no work that is so far-reaching and so satisfactory in everj^
way as the boy and girl club work, and Stanberry and Albany and other
communities in the county should take up this work for next year.
"L. A. SAUNDERS, County Agricultural Agent."
Horses — Horse breeding has been an important industry from early
times. Thirty years ago there were weekly horse sales in the county
seat, well advertised and attended. The farm type of today is much more
blocky, and more powerful. The automotive development of the past
dozen years has not greatly disturbed horse production in the county,
except to increase the interest in mules.
The second great farm product of the county is hay and grass, as
follows; Timothy and clover mixed, 18,000 acres; blue grass, for seed,
13,000 acres; timothy alone, 6,000 acres; alfalfa, 2,000 acres; clover
alone, 1,500 acres. The annual production of blue grass seed exceeds
150 tons. The figures given are official, and accounts for about three-
fifths of the county acreage. The large balance is in some form of pas-
ture, and the proceeds appear in stock and dairy income. Given time,
and almost any of our land will become set with blue grass. Perhaps no
other natural characteristic is so great an asset. Blue grass is "a thing
of beauty and a pasture forever," almost.
The annual wheat crop is nearly a half million bushels.
Animals not reckoned in above estimates, owned in towns: Horses,
500; milk cows, 500; young cattle, 500; swine, 1,000.
Vegetables and fruits imply small acreage. The county's income
from these sources average a third of a million yearly.
Gentry county in common with northwest Missouri is very free from
cattle and horse plagues. While swine are not so exempt, hog cholera
has never been frequent or malignant.
In conclusion it may be said that Gentry county has met and en-
dured the slump of 1920-21 with admirable courage and patience. In
this time of stress, poultry products and dairy products have saved many
of our people from hardships and defeat.
If Gentry Were My Native Land.
It would induce a steadfast pride.
And I would never need to hide,
When those of any country side.
Were boasting what their own supplied.
If Gentry were my native land.
294 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
I might, marooned, be far away.
Compelled indefinitely to stay,
Spme elsewhere active part to play,
Yet would my heart return for aye.
If Gentry were my native land.
I would myself discussion raise,
And Gentry County I would praise.
And count the gifts she brings and lays
Before her children, harvest days.
If Gentry were my native land.
And I would praise her gallant youth.
And make it always plain — forsooth
I was but telling half the truth.
And call my elsewhere home a — booth.
If Gentry were my native land.
CHAPTER XII.
CIVIL WAR PERIOD
OPINIONS DIVIDED— POPin.ATION MADE UP OF NORTHERNERS AND SOUTHERNERS-
DEVELOPMENT RETARDED— FEDERAL CONTROL MAINTAINED.
The period from 1860 to 1865 in Gentry County deserves histor-
ical mention in that it greatly affected social relations, and greatly re-
tarded material development. As has been seen, the earliest settlers
were largely from Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. They brought
with them the convictions prevalent in the states from which they
came. These convictions could not be set aside in a day — at the result
of a national election.
Possibly by 1860 an almost equal number from Pennsylvania, Ohio
and other northern localities had become citizens of the county.
The result was inevitable. Gentry County in many respects was
a border county. With two sets of utterly opposed convictions contend-
ing for supremacy. When the issue was forced upon the people,
friends were separated, and households sometimes divided. It is far
from the present purpose to single out any individual — to accuse or to
justify any action or any policy pursued. It is enough to speak of the
general effect. A divided people cannot be a happy people, neither
can they be prosperous and progressive. There was little of the tragic
and heroic, much that was irksome and disquieting in the continual
conflict of convictions. Social life and community interests were
greatly hampered. Agriculture and all industry suffered accordingly.
Instead of a generous surplus, the county ceased to fully supply its own
needs for both man and beast.
The situation was aggravated by several dry, or semi-dry seasons.
Gentry County citizens sometimes gathered up empty sacks and went
"a-buying."
Federal control was maintained without serious opposition and all
classes welcomed peace when it came. Most of the wounds were
quickly healed. The scars received less and less notice. In a few years
a united people were forging ahead.
CHAPTER XIII.
RAILROADS AND HIGHWAYS.
AGITATION FOR RAIIAVAYS BEGINS— FIItST ROAD IN THE COTNTY— THE WABASH-
LEON, MOl'NT AVER AND SOl'THWESTERN— STATIONS IN THE COrNTY— HIGH-
WAYS— JEFFERSON HIGHWAY— HARD SURFACE ROADS.
Agitation for railways began with the first recovery after the Civil
War. Elections were held and bonds voted. But the earlier projects
failed and the bonds could not be used.
The first road into the county was the St. Joseph and Des Moines
railroad. This line, which is a branch of the Chicago, Burlington and
Quincy Railroad, was completed from St. Joseph to Albany in Septem-
ber 1879. The citizens of Gentry County donated, in money and mate-
rial towards the building of this road through the county, about the sum
of $20,000.00, and in addition thereto, the depot grounds and right of
way, the latter costing about $1,000.00. This road was formerly called
the "Narrow Gauge."
Council Bluffs and Omaha Division of the Wabash, St. Louis and
Pacific Railroad, now known as the Wabash Railroad, was completed in
the fall of 1879, and passes through the county centrally, giving dii'ect
connections with St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, and Council Bluffs.
The land owners along the line of the road donated the right of way,
excepting a few tracts, which cost the company about $3,000.
The Leon, Mount Ayr and Southwestern Railroad, which is a branch
of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, was finished to Al-
bany in September, 1881. The people of Albany donated the right of
way from Bethany, Harrison County, Missouri, to Albany, which cost
them about $8,000.00; they also donated the depot grounds at Albany.
This road forms a connection at Albany with the St. Joseph and Des
Moines Railroad, which was purchased of the original owners and build-
ers, by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad Company, in the
latter part of 1880, making a continuous line from St. Joseph to Chicago.
The St. Joseph and Des Moines Railroad has four depots in the
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 297
county, at the following places: Albany, Darlington, Millen, and King
City. The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific, at McFall, Evona, McCurry
and Stanberry.
In 1906-07 the Grant City Chicago, Burlington & Quincy extension
was built from the north line of the county to Albany Junction, two
miles southwest of Albany.
Highways. — Roads and bridges of Gentry County are under town-
ship supervision, except important river bridges and their approaches,
which are installed and maintained by the county court.
The major part of the surface of the county has good natural drain-
age, which simplifies the building and maintaining of the common
graded highway. Gentry County has between two or three hundred
miles of such roads with needed bridges. The county bridges are good
and well kept and the various townships average well in building and
maintaining their local bridges. The county has a fairly sufficient sys-
tem of highway service, well distributed.
During the hard road agitation of 1919-20, the Jefferson Highway
was mapped through the county, entering on the south at King City;
thence north through Stanberry; thence east through Albany; thence
northeast to the county line. This gave townships the following mile-
age: Jackson Township, 8.58; Cooper Township, 8.17; Huggins Town-
ship, 4.35, and Athens Township, 10.46. In support of this project Jack-
son Township voted $85,000.00 bonds, Cooper, $85,000.00 and Athens,
$100,000.00.
The first contract for a completed hard surface road was let Apr.
11, 1921, to the E. S. Kelley Construction Company of Eureka Springs,
Ark., for six miles of finished road in Cooper Township for $82,020.00.
On this project the grading and bridging are complete, and over
four miles of hard surface have been finished. The material used is
sand and grit. Jackson Township has completed the grading and bridg-
ing of the entire 8.58 miles.
In the early summer of 1921, Athens Township let the contract for
the completion of that part beginning just north of Albany, east to the
county line, 6.26 miles. This section has been completed. The material
used is excellent gravel from local pits; a material that can hardly
be excelled. It is an admirable mix of 20 to 30 sizes, with proper pro-
portion of small stuff. Close packing and adhesive under traffic — the
next thing to cement. While this particular gravel is new to road sen^-
ice, there is reason to believe that it will not grind into dust to any ex-
tent, during dry summer heat.
298 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Long dry spells and windy days are the worst enemies of gravel
roads. Crude oil is the best protection, but the better the gravel the less
the crude oil required. In a matter as far reaching as hard surface
roads, it is natural to hope that first experiments should prove encour-
aging. Every strip of successful road hastens the building of other
strips.
An improved road from the county seat to Evona is under way,
much of the grading being already complete, and the financing for hard
surface is up for discussion.
Land owners are more and more taking the view that money spent
for good roads is not a tax, but that it is money spent for permanent im-
improvement. In other words it is an investment. The same is true of
drainage, and is perhaps more apparent, since worthless land is often
reclaimed and given a value much beyond the cost of draining. The
principle is the same; good roads make good land still more valuable.
Gentry County never had any great proportion of swamp land.
Nevertheless, a large drainage undertaking is now nearing completion.
It has to do with straightening the river courses. It begins near the
north line of the county, and embraces the three forks of Grand River,
east, middle and west forks and follows the main river as far as Gentry-
ville in the southeast of the county. The total cost of the improvement
will be nearly $200,000.00.
The assessment of benefits is worthy of most careful consideration.
The benefits of drainage are largely local and direct, while in the mat-
ter of hard roads, the benefits are both direct and general. The gen-
eral benefits increase with the number of miles connected. A single
strip of four miles is scarcely a general benefit, but a well planned sys-
tem of roads for the whole county will develop a widespread general
benefit. It will raise the average level of land values in all localities.
The i-emotest farm in the county will be benefited. Once these princi-
ples are understood and equitably applied, assessments cease to be a
bugbear.
CHAPTER XIV.
SCHOOLS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS— TEACHERS INSTITUTE— HIGHER STANDARDS— HEALTH WORK IN
SCHOOLS — TEACHERS ASSOCIATION — CONOLIDATION — PALMER COLLEGE —
NORTHWEST MISSOURI COLLEGE;— CENTRAL CHRISTIAN COLLEGE.
Public Schools — The chapter on the public schools of the county
should prove interesting for the good reason that history is now "a mak-
ing."
Earle C. Duncan is county superintendent of public instruction.
The office became effective in 1909 when George L. Grey became the
first superintendent. Charles Allen was next in office, followed by Eg-
bert Jennings, whose term was filled out by his sister. Miss Gretchen
Jennings, which brings us to 1919 when Mr. Duncan took office.
By the year 1886, the high school had become pretty well differ-
entiated from the school of all grades. The annual Teachers' Institute
of three or four weeks of instruction, lectures or class work, had become
established. These Institutes closed with two days of examinations. For
a time attendance was optional, but was later made obligatory upon all
who wished to teach. This system continued under efficient commission-
ers until about 1900. The commissioner was chairman of the board of
examiners, assisted by one appointee of the state, and another of the
county.
In 1901 the Teachers' Institute was dropped, and three examining
periods were set for each year. A variety of conditions were imposed on
candidates for certificates. In certain branches teachers were allowed
permanent credits of record, exempting them from further examina-
tions in these specified lines. Summer schools under state management
took the place of the county institute, and though attendance was not
obligatory, the inducement of "approved grades" maintained a good at-
tendance.
The office of county superintendent is one of wider responsibility
than the former office of commissioner. The outgrowth of a general for-
ward movement which began to manifest itself about 1910.
300 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
In 1911 and 1912 the general level of teachers' salaries was raised
about $5.00 a month for each year. More money should mean better
teachers, and it so proved. In 1911, there were ten teachers with nor-
mal diploma certificates. In 1921 there were 34 such teachers. During
this ten-year period the trail of the third grade certificate has been con-
stantly downward. The trail of "approved schools" during the same
period started with two for the county, advanced to six in 1917; to 16
in 1920; to 23 in 1921 and to 31 in 1922. Thus keeping pace with
teacher qualifications.
Another chart showing the steady upward trend in instructive ad-
vancement, shows that in 1911, 35 teachers had had four years high
chool training: in 1916, 52 teachers; in 1919, 120 teachers.
The quotation below is from the 1921 Missouri public schools re-
port. It proves that Gentry County is thoroughly alive : "Several exten-
sion courses will be held for Gentry County teachers again this year.
The State Teachers College, Maryville, held two in the county last year.
We are having some meetings to discuss better methods and I am send-
ing out some lesson plans. We are also making arrangements with the
State Teachers' College, Maryville, for a survey of the county. We have
a bunch of real teachers in the rural schools this year. Eighty of our
teachers were in summer school last summer." — E. C. Duncan, Supt.
"Better Schools" in Gentry County, quoted from State Report 1921 ;
"The Gentry County Plan began at the August meeting, held in Albany,
Mo., in 1921. The teachers in attendance were asked to write a list
of improvements worth while and needed in the schools of the county.
The results of the questionnaire were tabulated and divided into major
and minor groups, and a plan of approval woi-ked out." The groups as
tabulated and divided, relate largely to physical conditions, the produc-
tion of better environment. When a school has attained three of the
major requirements and two of the minor, the superintendent issues a
certificate of standing as a "Better School." It has been a decided suc-
cess. Up to March 25, 1922, sixty schools of the county have won the
certificate.
The total expenditures for the county school system in 1910 were
$67,000.00; in 1913, $75,000.00; in 1916, $115,000.00; in 1921,
$175,000.00.
The following from the 1921 state report belongs to Gentry County,
and is self explanatory. "We have been selected by the Southwest Divi-
sion of the Red Cross as a demonstration county for health work. Wc
are furnishing the schools with a project each month. The project for
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 301
November is to build two pieces of playground equipment. Other pro-
jects will be posters for the care of the teeth; posters on the school
lunch; short talks (for oral expression), by the pupils on health play
and health booklets. The county nurse and the Red Cross secretary are
assisting in this work. Earle C. Duncan, Sup't. Gentry County."
During the winter of 1922 a general poster contest was staged in
Albany, over 300 posters were on the exhibition, representing a multi-
tude of ideas relating to the individual self-care of the pupil.
Gentry County people are proud of their schools and wide awake
to the advantages they offer. The enrollment in the high schools of
the county jumped this year from 500 to 600, and there are more mem-
bers of the freshman class this fall than there were eighth grade grad-
uates this spring.
The Gentry County Teachers have more than a 100 per cent enroll-
ment in the Missouri State Teachers Association. There are only 136
teachers in the county, while there are 151 members of the state assoc-
iation. The explanation is that a number of students of Palmer College
have become members of the association and several school board mem-
bers have also joined. It is the third consecutive year that their enroll-
ment has been more than 100 per cent.
The county has 71 rural schools, almost half of which are approved.
There are seven high schools, at least one of them easily accessible to
students in every township, except two.
One of the high schools is a consolidated school, strictly rural,
which, opened this year with an enrollment of fifty. It is known
as Consolidated School Number 1. It is almost equidistant from Al-
bany, King City, Pattonsburg and Maysville, having a rural territory
with a radius of about 15 miles. The nearest railroad is at McFall, six
miles away.
The school is being conducted now in what will later become the
"teacherage." The patrons have voted bonds and have $20,500 with
which they will build a modern building on ten acres of Gentr>' County's
prettiest land. When the building is completed, the teacher will occupy
the residence where classes are now being held.
Consolidated District Number 1 is the largest strictly rural high
school in Northwest Missouri. It now offers a three year course, which
will be extended next year to four years. It will then be a fully ac-
credited first class high school.
When the new building is completed the smaller schools will be
closed and the pupils there will be transported to the central schools in
302 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
wagons. Two other schools in the county already transport their pupils.
Four wagons are used at Darlington and six at McFall.
McFall also has a consolidated school and is also building a new
building, which will be completed about Dec. 1st. That the transpor-
tation of rural pupils is not an excessive burden to the taxpayer was
demonstrated at this school last year, when the school levy was only
$1.30, which was lower than the levy of any other first class high school
in the county.
That the boys and girls of the farmer are beginning to appreciate
the opportunity offered them for a high school education is demon-
strated in the enrollment figures. There were 226 eighth grade grad-
uates this spring and 227 enrolled as freshmen in the various high
schools this fall.
During 1921 two enthusiastic track meets were held. The first
was at King City, and the second at Albany. The next one is to be held
at Stanberry. The stimulating effect of these events is already mani-
fest. Youth is eager for endeavor, and delights in achievement.
Palmer College. — As one of the early institutions of learning of the
State of Iowa, what is now Palmer College had its beginning under the
organization of Revs. Josiah P. Watson and D. M. Lines. The institu-
tion, first located at LeGrand, Iowa, was granted a charter, in April,
1865, under the name of The Le Grand Christian Institute, and began
operating in October of that year. In appreciation of a gift of $30,000,
from the Hon. F. A. Palmer, of New York, toward the first endowment
fund started by the college, the institution was renamed Palmer College,
in 1897.
In June, 1912, the college was moved to Albany, Mo., and the in-
terests of Kansas Christian College, of Lincoln, Kan., consolidated with
it. By conditional donation from the Albany Chamber of Commerce
the college came into possession of the plant of the former Northwest
Missouri College. The building was partially remodeled, the campus
considerably enlarged, a fine girls' dormitory erected and a president's
home secured, bringing the total value of the plant and its equipment
up to about $225,000.00. The campus proper, includes 14 acres. The
institution has dormitory accomodations for 64 students in modernly
equipped dormitories. The larger number of students either live in the
community or board in the town. The college is also equipped with
gymnasium, swimming pool, athletic field and tennis courts.
During the World War, the faculty and student body were so de-
pleted by the demands of the country that the work of the institution
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 303
had to be temporarily suspended. It was reopened in 1919 under the
presidency of Dr. F. G. Coffin, of Albany, New York.
The college is under the direction of a Board of 15 trustees, elected
by the Western Christian Convention and presided over by a faculty of
18 instructors. In addition to the regular college year, two summer
schools are maintained. One is a school of religious education for
which specialized instructors are imported from different sections of
the country. The other is a summer school for teachers, offering an eight
week's course of specialized instruction.
The student enrollment in the various departments, not exclusive
of duplicates, is 232 (year 1922). This number does not include the
enrollments of either of the summer schools.
Courses are offered in collegiate work, academy, domestic science,
commerce, science, piano, orchestral instruments, voice, expression, an,
Bible, etc. The courses are coordinated with the University of Missouri
and all work done in the institution fully accredited by the university.
Teachers' certificates are granted upon satisfactory completion of
courses.
The maintenance of the school is secured through tuition, gifts, and
endowment. While the trustees are elected by the Western Christian
Convention, the trritorial official body of the Christian Church (not
Disciples), the college is non-sectarian. Instructors are employed and
students admitted without regard to church affiliations. The city of
Albany cooperates in promoting the interests of the school.
Northwest Missouri College. — This institution was founded under
the fostering care of the M. E. Church, South, in 1891.
It was made possible through the benevolence and enterprise of
Albany's leading citizens, who provided a splendid campus of nine
acres, and secured subscriptions up to ten thousand dollars for immedi-
ate construction.
Within two years under Prof. W. H. Pritchett, Northwest Missouri
College was successfully launched. Its aims were of the best. The
instruction given, and the care devoted to the welfare of students were
always high type work, and for years, the generation of that period
availed itself of the splendid privileges thus provided.
The college continued with varying activity until 1909, and was
much appreciated.
Early in its experience it became evident that there must be a very
substantial guarantee committee. At first the guarantors were numer-
ous and the burden grew and the committee diminished. It was finallv
304 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
proven that Northwest Missouri College could no longer continue. The
guarantee committee paid interest and other expenses necessary to
keep the debt afloat out of their own funds.
By reason of removals and for other good reasons the responsible
members became fewer. From 1909 onward it was a question what to
do with the property and how to meet the debt. Several propositions
came up to turn the property to other uses and salvage what was pos-
sible. Some took the position that the property represented large origi-
nal donations that were given for education, and therefore the property
should be held for that purpose. It was a continual personal expense to
these few, but they paid and held on.
There was rejoicing when in 1912 their persistence was rewarded
and they were able to turn over sufficient property to induce and justify
the opening of Palmer College.
Central Christian College — Central Christian College was the out-
growth of a liberal offer from three citizens of Albany. Dr. G. W.
Stapleton, Dr. M. M. Campbell, and T. N. Rigney, to the educational
hopes of the Christian Church. For college purposes, they offered
to donate a tract of land situated in the South of Albany at the terminus
of Park Street, and also a one-fifth interest in 100 acres lying adjoining
the original plat of the city and nearly surrounding the college site.
This generous gift was gratefully accepted by the representatives
of the church in convention assembled, and a committee at once
appointed to collect necessary funds for the building. The citizens of
Albany made liberal donations, thus making it possible to incorporate
and begin preparations for building.
Central Christian College was incorporated in April, 1892, and
the contract for the building was given to Hawk Brothers of Albany.
The brick work was done by Meek Bricklaying and Contract Company
of Chillicothe, Mo.
On Aug. 10, 1892, the cornerstone was laid with impressive cere-
monies, conducted by F. V. Loos of Liberty, Mo., assisted by J. A. Will-
iams of King City, Mo., and other leading ministers. In November of
the same year the College was opened and on January 8, 1893 the build-
ing was dedicated to the cause of Christian education. The first presi-
dent was Prof. E. J. Gantz, and during the first year 169 students were
enrolled in the collegiate and normal departments.
During the ten years' existence of the college, scores of educated
young men and young women went forth from its doors better fitted to
PALMER COLLEGE, ALBANY
\1K\\ I ROM .sol 111 MlJl. ol I vl.K. > 1 AM'.ICRRV
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 305
take up life's duties. Thus is a measure were repaid those who contributed
largely to its support.
In 1903 the building was purchased by the city and converted into
a ward school, and now it is also used by students in the vocational agri-
cultural and home economics classes of the high school.
CHAPTER XV.
LODGES, SOCIETIES AND CLUBS.
MASONIC LODGES— THE EASTERN STAR— INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS-
WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION— CIVIC CLUB— LADIES LITERARY
CLUB— DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION— P. E. O.— CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE.
Masonic Lodges. — Many changes have occurred during forty years.
Better roads and auto cars have had much to do in the change of social
centers, small communities are no longer isolated. New and more con-
venient groupings come about by natural selection. The fact of wor-
thy note is this: The fraternal spirit is continuous, a constant element
in civilization, an evidence of life and vigor and an indication of true
prosperity.
The Masonic order was first in point of time, dating back to early
pioneer days. It led the way, and has grown as the population has in-
creased. Its history is well known, its position established.
The Masonic fraternity, with eight lodges and over 600 members in
the county, has from the beginning held a well defined place in the
social and intellectual growth of Gentry County citizenship.
Since 1849 when Gentryville Lodge No. 125 was organized, many
efforts at different points have been put forth, all of them serving a good
purpose, but not all of them permanent.
The present lodges are as follows: Athens No. 127, 147 members,
Albany; Alanthus No. 252, 45 members, Wilson Township; Jacoby No.
447, 47 members, Darlington; Berlin No. 378, 48 members. Miller Town-
ship; Ancient Craft No. 377, 106 members. King City; Havana No. 21,
31 members, McFall; Gentryville No. 125, 51 members, Gentryville;
Stanberry No. 109, 180 members, Stanberry.
The Eastern Star. — The Order has five flourishing chapters in Gen-
try County. At Gentryville, Stanberry, King City, Darlington, and at
Albany.
The Albany chapter now has 182 members. Officers as follows:
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 307
W. P., Mr. Allen Bare; W. M., Mrs. Pearl Barger; A. M., Mrs. Slate
Bassler; Sec'y-. Mrs. Pearl Bare.
Albany Chapter, Order or the Eastern Star, was organized and re-
ceived charter dated Aug. 11, 1875, and in which was named as officers,
Henrietta Daniels, Worthy Matron ; John T. Daniels, Worthy Patron ;
and Sarah Jane McCammon, Associate Matron. The charter list shows
at organization the names of 20 sisters and 25 brothers, who after a time
failed to meet and charter surrendered.
The Order of the Eastern Star was again organized at Albany, with
charter dated April 30, 1894, as Esther Chapter, No. 13, O. E. S., and
naming in the charter as officers: Mrs. Sarah E. Eader, W. M.; Joshua
B. Thomas, W. P.; Miss Bash McCammon, A. M., and the following
named were selected to complete the organization as follows, to-wit:
Alice Larkin, Cond. ; Lillian Lainhart, A. Cond. ; Mary McCammon, Sec. ;
Etha Reid, Treas. ; Lou E. Clark, Adah ; Emma Roberts, Ruth ; Gail Sulli-
van, Esther; Sallie Cassity, Martha; Lillie E. Case, Electa; Matilda Luns-
ford. Warder; and had a membership of 14 sisters and 14 brothers, a
total of 28.
The following have been duly elected and served as presiding of-
ficers:
1895 — Miss Bash McCammon, W. M.; Joshua B. Thomas, W. P.
1896 — Mrs. Alice Larkin, W. M. ; Chas. V. Larmer, W. P.
1897— Mrs. Lou E. Clark, W. M.; J. E. Sims, W. P.
1898 — Mrs. Lillian Lainhart, W. M.; Sam W. Clark, W. P.
1899 — Mrs. Kate Larmer, W. M.; F. P. Marsteller, W. P.
1900— Mrs. Emma Roberts, W. M.; Wm. T. Lunsford, W. P.
1901 — Mrs. Joie Thomas, W. M. ; Geo. A. Howell, W. P.
1902 — The present officers are: Mrs. Lou Moore, W. M.; Miss Be-
atrice Thomas, A. M.; Marvin O. Mothersead, W. P.
The chapter now has a membership of 71 sisters and brothers and
is in a flourishing condition socially and financially and has ever been
noted for its charity.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows. — Next in order of time came
the L O. O. F. fraternity — an average of 10 years later, meeting* the
same needs, having the same general purpose, and affording optional
affiliations to the individual. Thus inducing a spirit of friendly rivalry
to the benefit of all concerned.
The Odd Fellows are now prosperously organized in the following
centers: Albany, Stanberry, King City, McFall, Darlington, Lsland City.
The Rebekahs, Auxiliary, have lodges at Albany, Stanberry, King
City and McFall.
308 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Women's Christian Temperance Union. — While the earliest facts
are not available, the W. C. T. U. is known to have been well organized
and in active work in Gentry County as early as 1890. It is the nature of
such work that its activity should vary as demands for special efforts
and opportunities presented themselves.
However, the ladies of Gentry County have proven their persever-
ance and versatility. When blocked from direct temperance work, they
took up cognate work, such as "Child Welfare," "Women in Industry,"
"Sabbath Observance," "Health and Morality," and "Scientific Tem-
perance Instruction," thus helping always to create that nation wide
public sentiment which finally resulted in prohibition.
It is interesting to note that the W. C. T. U. ladies were making
comfort bags for the sailors of our own navy long before the World
War, popularized such work.
From 1904 and onward, the whole county quickly became organ-
ized and an ever increasing activity has been manifested.
The World War brought prohibition and for a time merged the
work of the W. C. T. U. in the general struggle. But "Those Women"
did not quit. The enforcement of law is as important as getting the
law. Education must be maintained. Child welfare, health and moral-
ity, still invite the attention and reward the efforts of this great society.
In reviewing thirty years of work in Gentry County, one feels it has
been worth while to have counted one in the ranks of such a union.
The appended clipping discloses present activity.
Gentry County has not, throughout its history, been a greatly saloon
ridden county. And yet temperance has always been a vital issue. The
W. C. T. U. has ever been fighting, or rallying for the next conflict. The
organization has been noted for three things:
First, giving aid and comfort in every local option or special cam-
paign.
Second, keeping the educational features of temperance at the
front.
Third, giving cordial assistance to any and all civic efforts in the
interests of community welfare.
It is now vigorously active — striving to make national prohibition
effective and permanent.
The Civic Club of Albany. — As it is generally known, the Civic
Club is an organization to work for the improvement of the town, in any
way it can help. It is composed of women who are interested in the wel-
fare of Albany and who are willing to give of their time and energy
in accomplishing things. The club has a creditable membership but the
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 309
officers are anxious to enlist the co-operation of all women. The club
has recently been made a member of the State Federation pf Women's
clubs. The members have made a slogan, "Keep-a-Goin' " for the com-
ing year.
Among some of the accomplishments of the club might be men-
tioned the following: They have looked after several classes of charity,
have sent flowers and other things to the sick and shut-ins; gave gold
medal to girl winner in athletics last spring; erected and kept in condi-
tion flower boxes at court house and planted flower beds in court house
yard ; erected big signs advertising "Albany — Home of Palmer College,"
furnished rest and lunch rooms for women ; brought some fine iron seats
for the court house yard; helped in general clean-up days; served two
dinners for community meet at Palmer college work day, sent two dona-
tions to Near East Relief fund. Other things might be mentioned.
The following are the present officers of the civic club: president,
Mrs. D. O. Kent; 1st vice-president, Mrs. J. N. Barger; 2nd vice-presi-
dent, Mrs. Gus Stevens; recording sec'y-, Mrs. C. E. Ernst; correspond-
ing sec'y-. Mrs. J. H. Degginger; treasurer, Mrs. E. A. Kent.
The Ladies Literary Club. — The Ladies Literary Club, formerly
called the "Married Ladies Tea Club" was organized in October 1892,
with the following named ladies as charter members: Mrs. J. W. Whit-
ten, Mrs. T. H. Lainhart, Mrs. Carrie Cranor, Mrs. R. S. Floyd, Mrs. Ma-
mie Hubbard, Mrs. Ida Wood Stevens, Mrs. C. V. Larmer, Mrs. Flora
Humphrey, Mrs. Dora Crockett, Mrs. J. H. Markley, Mrs. Mary J. Doyle.
Its objtct is the cultivation of intellectual, artistic and social life of
its members and to promote public welfare.
In 1902, the club joined the Federation of Women's Clubs.
This club has been interested in philanthropy, and in the advance-
ment of higher education. Prizes for essays on specified subjects have
been awarded to students. Child welfare and health reforms have also
been promoted.
The Ladies' Literary Club was largely instrumental in securing the
Carnegie Library for Albany. Besides procuring some books, the pic-
tures and other works of art were placed in the library building by ladies
of the Literary Club.
The present officers are: Miss Elma Hendley, president; Mrs. Lon
E. Clark, secretary; Miss Emily Stapleton, corresponding secretary;
Mrs. Nannie Mothersead, treasurer.
Virginia Daughters Chapter D. A. R. — This organization, as is well
known, is devoted to patriotic and historical purposes. The Albany
310 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
chapter was founded in December 1912, receiving from the national so-
ciety the number 1193.
The revolutionary ancestors of the charter members of this chap-
ter were, with but few exceptions, residents of Virginia. Therefore,
"Virginia Daughters" was adopted as the chapter name. The following
is a list of the charter members: Mrs. Anna Bell Stapleton; Mrs. Mary
J. Doyle; Mrs. Jno. E. O'Hara; Mrs. Leora Peery; Mrs. Luella Graham;
Mrs. Celesti Smith; Mrs. David Ella Patton; Mrs. Norcissa Dawson Wil-
hite, deceased; Mrs. Kate Dawson Hotaling; Mrs. Leona S. Austin; Mrs.
Grace P. Forbis ; Mrs. Narcissa Holdin ; Mrs. Winifred Doyle Adams,
deceased; Mrs. Neva Green Etter; Miss Nancy E. Peerj-; Miss Elma
Hundley; Miss Geneva E. Peery; Miss Lulu Hundley; Miss Lucy L.
Peery; Miss Ada Bell Stapleton; Miss Sara Emily Stapleton; Miss Mary
McCammon; Miss Louise Trent Peery; Miss Margaret Anne Stapleton.
During the World War, Virginia Daughters were zealous in all
the special activities known as "United War Works." The chapter gave
efficient, untiring managers to several county departments. One thou-
sand dollars was given to Red Cross and Y. M. C. A. work. A French
orphan was adopted and contributions were given for the restoration
of Tiltoloy, a French village and contributions made to the $100,000.00
3rd Liberty Loan subscribed by the national society.
Also individual members bought $25,000.00 Liberty bonds, and
adopted three French orphans.
The service flag of the Virginia Daughters contains nine stars of
blue, and one of gold, the latter in memory of Lieut. Geo. Donald
Holden who was fatally wounded in battle.
P. E. O. — The P. E. O. Sisterhood was organized in 1869 by seven
college girls. It is national in its scope and has ever stood for progress,
education and opportunity. As a culture society, it embraces self-im-
provement in various forms.
Chapter P. Stanberry, Mo., organized Jan. 24, 1901, was the first
P. E. O. Society in Gentry County and during the years since then the
society has been a source of inspiration to its members.
Chapter A. N., Albany, was organized in November, 1905. Charter
members were Mesdames G. W. Doyle, J. W. Peery, Wm. O'Hara,
R. L. Whaley, T. H. Hunt, T. S. Bishop, W. P. Stapleton, W. C. Hol-
man, W. M. Wilson, Misses Nannie Peery, Flora McCammon, Ada
Stapleton, Mary McCammon and M. V. Stewart.
Christian education is one of the cardinal principles of the P. E. O.
Sisterhood and the chapters of Gentry County have given largely to an
HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 311
Educational Fund of the society and chapter, and has contributed to the
fund for the equipment of Palmer College.
During the World War the ladies of the P. E. O. joined with the
Red Cross and other organizations in the different lines of war work.
Chapter D. E., King City, was organized May 29, 1919, with 13
charter members. Political honors have been bestowed upon two mem-
bers. Mrs. Anna S. McKnight is chairman of the Women's State Demo-
cratic Committee and Mrs. Ida B. Parsons is a member of the State
Executive Committee. Mrs. Mary E. Stringfield a charter member of
chapter A Unionville, the first P. E. O. chapter organized in the state
is now a member of chapter D. E. King City.
Albany Chamber of Commerce. — The Albany Chamber of Com-
merce was organized Feb. 8, 1921, with a membership (original) of
thirty-five progressive and representative business men. In a rather
intensive campaign a few weeks later the membership was increased to
82 members, and later additions swelled the number to over a hundred.
In the year 1921 there were really no things of great magnitude
accomplished. However several projects were put over that were of
some consequence. Among those things that tended to help Albany and
the community and make it a better place in which to live were : A cash
donation was made to Palmer College to the amount of $2,000; an ath-
letic field which cost approximately $800 was completed ; a temporary
sidewalk from the D. D. Kingsborough property west to Clark Street
on the way to the Burlington Station was completed ; in the annual Clean-
up Day the Chamber of Commerce worked in co-ordination with the
Civic Club to make that worth-while project a success; eight of the lead-
ing roads out of Albany were marked within a radius of ten miles; sev-
eral large signs were put up on the main highways advertising "Albany
— The Home of Palmer College" ; a tourist camp ground, with all con-
veniences for mortorists passing through our city, was located on the
South school campus ; a movement for the re-opening of the Wabash Sta-
tion at Evona was agitated by the Chamber of Commerce; we helped
Palmer College provide for their guests at commencement time and the
ten-day School of Religious Education; we worked in conjunction with
the high school in promoting good sportsmanship in athletics by giving
several gold medals to the high-point winners in track meets last spring;
the organization made up about a thousand dollars for the maintenance
of the best band in this section of the state ; rooms and enertainment were
provided for the boys and girls from other towns who entered the song
and declamatory contests held in the Palmer College Auditorium last
312 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
spring ; three most successful Community Days for the grading and finish-
ing of the College Athletic Field were held ; cash prizes in the Junior
Red Cross were offered by the Chamber; a committee was sent to Jeffer-
son City recently to look into the matter of rock roads for Gentry County.
CHAPTER XVI.
WORLD WAR.
GENTRY COUNTY RESPONDS— TWENTY-NINE GOLD STARS—A LIST OF EX-SERVICE
MEN FROM GENTRY COt'NTY— NECROLOGY— RED CROSS AND OTHER ORGANI-
ZATIONS— BOND SALES.
Gentry County furnished nearly 700 men for military service in the
World War. Of this number fully one-third volunteered before the se-
lective draft became effective.
This spontaneous offering for foreign service was due in part to the
earnest, inspiring words of President Wilson, but perhaps for the greater
part to the innate sense of right a'nd justice which is the inestimable pos-
session of our citizenship. It was due also, in lesser part, to reaction
from the intense German propaganda. American youth despise the
sneak.
During the years of the war before the entrance of America, Ger-
man methods had become known and despised by all nations. In our
nation where general information is so widely distributed, the impulse
to fight is not born of prejudice or of blind hate. It springs from knowl-
edge — from a settled conviction that the fighting ought to be under-
taken and produces an intense determination that it shall be fought
through to final victory.
It was this intelligence, this conviction and this determination that
made the A. E. F. the swiftest and deadliest fighting engine ever as-
sembled. The highly trained, but less intelligent German masses crum-
bled before it.
Gentry County had her part. Of the millions engaged, the average
death rate was two per cent, but Gentry County has four gold stars to
the hundred.
The roster of our soldiers is practically complete, as nearly so as it
can be given. Likewise the tribute to each of the 29 who gave "the last
full measure of devotion" is as nearly accurate as painstaking care can
make it.
314
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
A permanent and appropriate monument is projected to preserve
their hallowed memory.
The following is a list of ex-service men from Gentry County:
Courtney Alexander
Jasper Adams
John A. Atkins
Harry L. Adams
Jos. Thos. Arnold
Leslie V. Allen
Clarence W. Adams
Lena Chas. Allenbrand
Thurman Allen
Joseph Archer
Chas. V. Adams
Emert Akes
Elbert Adams
Wm. E.Arnold
Wm.L. Asher
Harry Armstrong
Oscar D. Adams
Ed.CarlAllis
Roscoe Akes
Thos. Alsburry
Clinton Allen
Olizie Anderson
GoldaA.Burk
Leo Ballard
CleoA.Baldock
Orville Baxter
Jas. Harold Besinger
Chas.H.Bechtel
Wm. Boley
Jas. Walter Boner
LeroyC.Bush
Leonard Burton
Marion E. Brant
Andra Black
RollieBoulting
Jennings B. Botts
Arthur C. Bull
Amos S. Burton
Eli V.Baxter
JohnE. Bounds
Wm. Edwin Boatright
Elmo B. Baird
Samuel Brock
Orva Ray Barns
Geo.L.Babb
Fred Berry
VenaR. Birbeck
Wm. Clifford Berry
Bryant Boulting
Jas. C. Bunnell
Herbert A. Brown
James B. Burroughs
Graven Bratcher
Thos. H. Butt
Harley Goss Beets
Arthur Eberts Baber
Floyd Bagnell
Sam. W.Baxter
Geo. D. Bowman
John H. Bremer
A.S.Bliesh
Joe Baird
Thos. A. Burton
Chas. C. Bishop
Henry W. Beachler
Robert O. Brewer,
Jas. Doak Berry
Guy Baker
Chas. M. Bulla
P. S. W. Burgin
Dale Brown
Cleo Barber
Clyde Black
Bert. S. Barber
Arch Burkhart
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
315
Henry Bell
Jasper Bryant
Jas. C. Batson
Robt. Birbeck
H. Victor Berry
G. Cleo Bowser
Ward Boston
Chester Burks
Lloyd Britten
Walter Bottorf
Chas. E. Bentely
Wm. Lewis Bare
Wm. Whitton Crockett
John Childers, Jr.
Ray N. Canaday
Orval Cooper
Elza Collier
Theo. Caster
Oscar E. Cook
Jas. E. Caster
Fred Chalders
Lloyd Cook
Jos. M. Crouse
Leslie Caster
Claude Carter
Hubbard Cotton
Floyd Campbell
Jack Childers
Wm. E. Colville
Russell Jay Cameron
Geo. Chowning
Jas. Jefferson Clark
Ira Walter Cook
Wm. K. Callow
Otho A. Crawford
Owen Cousins
Crawford Curtis
Jas. M. Chittim
Dewitt Campbell
Roy Chapman
Chas. Campbell
Leonard Cookley
Herschel Cooper
Weedson Canaday
W. H. Carter
Paul Consoliver
Clyde Chadwick
Homer Cure
Oliver Crockett
Harold E. Conrad
Homer Cure
Chas. A. Cobb
David D. Cranor
John D. Cottrill
Lewis Chittim
Dan Consoliver
Lloyd Cox
C. L. Cummins
Albert L. Christian
John H. Carpenter
John M. Chittim
Orin Denny
Geo. R. Dye
Olizie E. David
Gibbon Durbin
Carl E. Davis
Sam. B. Dresback
O. Burl Duckworth
Ed. B. Derks
Roy R. Dunshee
J. H. Degginger
Roy Duncan
Jesse Waynd David
Roy David
John Dowie
Benj. E. Despain
John S. Dills
Tracy E. Dale
Wm. Callie Davidison
Volley Dorsey
316
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Earle Duncan
Ottis T. Dills
Jno. Elvis Dalbey
Jno. R. Doyle
Wilbur F. Duncan
George Duckworth
Luther DeMoss
H. G. Dakan
H. Cliff Doolin
Chas. Geo. Davis
Frank M. David
Paul England
Floyd Evans
Cleo Evans
Harry T. Elder
Emmett Evans
Delno Eslinger
Tony T. Elliot
Ross W. Edmondson
Thos. Ora Eads
Jas. C. Edmonds
Clem Evans
Leslie Elam
Frederick Elder
Lee Etter
Morris D. Elder
Paul Elder
Paul Evans
Thos. B. Freed
Olen Frizzell
Jos. E. Farthing
Clarence Frederick
Sam F. Fountain
Levi Fisher
Geo. Fite
Cleo J. Flowers
Clyde C. Fore
Claude Frans
J. P. Ferguson
Melvin Floyd
Otta S. Farthing
Van J. Faden
Wm. Tell Freed
Geo. Ferrell
Roy Funderburk
Oda B. Fuller
Shawnon Fore
Harry Gordon
Homer Gillespie
Frank Gordon
Ed. C. Griffith
Henry Gall
Glenn Gilleland
Solon Groom
Harvey Gillet
Jesse Good
Wade Good
Paul Gibbany
A. M. Gannaway
Morris Green
Orval Green
Wm. E. Gladstone
Leslie Gray
Howard Gill
Jos. C. Gilbert
Norwood Giles
Rusell Gill
Elmer Gage
Walter Griffey
Lee Gilbert
Roy E. Good
Chas. F. George
Lee M. Graham
Albert Garmon
Jesse O. Grace
Claud Green
Roy Good
Albert Guerin
Geo. Gall
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
317
Dale Gray
Geo. Golder
Fielding Graham
Jas. Thos. Gillespie
Jesse E. Grace
Jno. Guy Gibson
Lester C. Gartin
Robt. E. Giles
Allen Goodman
Ivil Giles
Clyde D. Green
James Gregory
Cleo Gregg
Geo. J. Gladeston
Geo. Griffey
Huse Glasco
John L. Grantham
Robt. L. Grantham
Paul Gregory
B. Hyten
Orval Hall
Y. W. Harrod
Phillip Henderson
Mark A. Hopkins
Leonard Harrod
David E. Harden
Donald Holden
Wm. Guy Harden
Oliver Hutchcraft
Clarence Hughs
Clinton Houstin
Daniel Haack
Pearl Hawthorne
Bert W. Hill
Roy L. Hall
Wm. Hanley
Edgar M.Hall
W. W. Heckinlively
Paul Harvey
Geo. W. Hall
E. R. Hardwick
Jno. Howery
Geo. B. Hartman
C. F. Heintz
C. S. Hopper
Thos. J. Handly
G. F. Heckinlively
Leo Moots Henderson
Claude Hazelwood
Walter H. Hyatt
Jno. E. Higginbotham
Earl Hathavi'ay
Wm. F. Heaton
Frank Hamilton
C. L Hay
Luther Hager
Thos. C. Holden
Ed. W. Henderson
Verno Casper Humphery
Ray Hartman
Hugh Hinore
Geo. F. Howell
Chas. M. Hulet
Ernest Hardin
Chas. L. Hulet
J. M. Harden
Lester Lee-Hawthorne
Roy S. Hinkley
Wm.E. Hulet
A. Newton Hull
Hobart Ireland
Clyde Jongon
Clifford E. Jones
Clifford Jones
D. F. Jameson
Roy Jennings
C. H. Jenkins
J. A. Johnson
H. B. Justice
318
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
A. F. James
F. H. Jameson
Fred James
Fred Jameson
S. E. Johnson
Glenn Jolly
Roy Newton Jolly
Stephen Jones
William Jones
Clyde Jonagon
Jas. E. Jennings
Del Jenkins
James S. Knisley
Bryon Knisley
Fred E. Kemp
Harry Kelley
Eldon Kingsborough
Clyde Kinman
Geo. Kingsborough
Ferris Keyes
Wm. F. Kier
G. B. Kosman
Roy J. Kirk
Robert Kier
Owen Kurtright
Walter L. Kier
Benj. Kyger
Fitzburgh Kerfoot
B. Joe. Kelly
Henry Kirk
Ray B. Lykins
Harry S. Lupfer
Lykins Elmer
Ralph Leonard
L. E. Lewis
Fi-ed Lynch
Wm. R. Lovall
A. G. Lewis
T. Earl Longstreth
J. F. Lajoie
Milton Levy
Emery Lykins
Paul Liggett
Lowell Lawrence Livergood
Delno Lawter
Forrest Larmer
Leon Lane
A. M. Leonard
Sam. E. Logsdon
W. J. Lainhart
Reece Liggett
Albert Lynch
Robt. E. Lee
Hallie Leith
Chas. O. Lane
Elmer Lane
Wm. C. Lane
James Lemaster
Chas. A. Lindley
Sam. M. Levy
Chas. L. Lawrence
Harold Lamb
Edward Lindsay
Jacob Miller
Geo. Murray
Porter Mothersead
Jno. Milstead
C. R. Miller
Benj. Martin
G. A. Manring
E. H. Morrison
L. E. Miles
Jas. R. Mullholland
J. W. Mendenhall
A. Madera
W. E. Mitchell
Robt. H. Malson
Robt. B. Martin
Fred L. Miller
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
319
Merritt Miller
C. R. Miller
Jno. W. Matney
Otsa Misemer
L. S. Myers
Alva Martin
Jno. Miller
J. D. Miller
W. R. Millan
Robt. Miller
Herschel G. Myrick
Arch J. Murphy
Roy E. Malson
Wade Moody
Jay Walter Malson
Wm. O. Myers
Leon Mayer
Carl V. Miles
Fred Meyers
Ray E. Murphy
Raymond Malson
Alva Moberly
Raymond Martin
Evert G. Morrison
Adolph Mayer
Ray S. Moran
Malcolm Moody
Otto McDaniel
Chas. McCarty
Wm. H. McCarty
Chas. R. McCarty
Melvin McGinley
Rob't McVey
Reuben McCampbell
Emery McCampbell
Chas. McConkey
Clyde McMillen
Sam McDowell
Alfred McVay
Wm. Glenn McQuire
W. E. McCampbell
Jas. Edgar McCary
Earl McNesse
Clifford McElvain
Ray McQuire
Chas. R. McDaniel
Jas. McConkey
Buford Newman
H. E. Newcomer
Walter Neidig
Orville F. Norton
Roy Noonan
Charles Newell
Chas. E. Needles
Geo. Norris
Ed. G. Neal
Emmett Roy Noble
Jno. Newman
Wm. O'Neal
Jos. Oshel
Jno. P. Osborn
Walter E. Osborn
Jno. Joseph O'Malley
Gartha R. Osborn
O. A. O'Bannion
Erna G. Peery
Jno. Jopplewell
Benj. Prior
O. C. Parker
Otto Patterson
Clarence Poe
Thos. Patton
John M. Pennebaker
Orville S. Parman
Rufus Peery
Herschel Price
Roy E. Peasley
Bud O. Phinney
320
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Marvin Price
Wm. Pittsenbarger
James L. Pierce
James Park
Jas. Harvy Pence
Jno. Piper
Jas. Pierce
Wm. Patee
Benj. L. Peery
Walter Patton
Willard Persinger
Virgil Patton
Lorin W. Price
Kern C. Pike
James Mike Price
Estell Pulisfer
Lloyd Patton
Clarence Peery
Thos. Peery
Homer Phillipps
Jno. F. Quigley
Edgar F, Quigley
Walter Quigley
F. S. Rodgers
V. C. Rogers
T. W. Rigney
Wm. Robinson
T. Rainey
H. L. Ross
Jno. A. Rigney
Wayne Rainey
Or\alle N. Rust
Melvin Ruch
Homer Robertson
V. H. Rigney
Homer Rouse
James Rader
Lewis F. Ray
Oscar F. Riley
Cecil Rice
Wm. E. Ripley
Silvan Reed
Woodson Rhodes
Orville Ragland
F. Rowlett
O. Royston
Chas. Runyan
W. H. Royston
Grant Ross
Herbert Dwithe Reams
Brady Ross
Clifford Rucker
D. W. Ragland
J. E. Rucker
Shelton L. Rose
Norest Riley
Roscoe Rice
Thos. Robison
Henry Ross
Marion C. Roark
Clifford Ross
Sheldon Rose
Graver C. Rogers
W. R. Rudkin
Roy M. Riche
L. Marion Rose
H. Royston
Cecil Royston
L Robertson
Clif. Rucker
Myron Rybolt
Ollie Redmond
Jerry Royston
Jas. Caster
Harvey Romesburg
L. P. Richmond
R. F. Runyan
R. B. Scott
Paul Stokes
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
J21
Leonard Stam
Jas. Lowery Smith
Jno. R. Smith
Wm. L. Stokes
Chas. G. Sharp
Harry Sampson
Wm. G. Stevenson
Lloyd Marion Summa
Evert Salsman
Geo. V. Smith
Orvey Smith
Fred C. Sharp
Chas. E. Stam
W. Stephenson
J. L. Scarborough
Olin Steiman
A. R. Sill
L. S. Storer
G. S. Shanabarger
R. M. Sinks
G. A. Sealey
A. C. Stegman
Altice Searcy
Curtis Shelby
Russell H. Stegman
W. M. Smith
Jas. V. Seals
A. K. Smith. Jr.
G. V. Smith
Lester H. Smith
Geo. Spiking
Clyde E. Shearer
Jas. W. Stephens
Reece Homer Smith
Boyd Smith
Wm. Lloyd Smith
Lee Smith
Raymond Sager
Homer Ray Summa
Walter K. Smith
Charles A. Shrike
Jack Stapleton
Guy O. Smith
Gartha E. Smith
Sanford G. Shilder
John B. Scott
R. L Sharp
Wm. H. Siddens
Orby Searcy
W. B. Sampson
Fielding Stapleton
Albert. Steinman
L. E. Turner
Luther Taylor
Wm. H. Terry
E. L. Toombs
C. L. Turner
Jno. G. Twist
Bessell H. Trailkill
Benj. R. Treasure
Jno. C. Townsend
Arthur Tibbetts
Newton Rolla Tunks
Wm. M. Todd
Claude Tennant
Claude Tunnell
Arelious Taff
P. E. Turner
John Tatum
E. Lee Tipton
Chas. B. Tresaure
Cecil P. Townsend
Ray Trapp
Wm. Thompson
Ira 0. Taylor
John F. Uhlig
Geo. Vaughn
Arlis B. Vogt
Carl Vanhoozier
322
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Frank D. Veal
Frank Woods
Fred Willett
Jasper Weese
William Willis
Harry Whitmore
Wm. R. Williams
Andrew Weese
Belden Wilson
W. C. Wright
Leander Weese
Barney Weese
Manuel Wheeler
Chas. A. Waldo
A. K. Wilson
Or\'ille Wright
S. Jno. Wagers
Paul B. Wilson
Gordon A. Ward
Max W. Williams
Ernest R. Walker
Glenn D. Washburn
Earl Walker
Enisley J. Wyatt
Garvin Whitley
Ottie Wall
Ralph Weaver
Arthur Ward
Thie following is a list of
service during the World War
Elbert Lewis Adams
Harwood Canaday
Jesse Wayne David
Ray David (Nodaway Co
Frank Wilbur Duncan
Roy P. Duncan
Roy P. Duncan
John Dowie
Claude Frans
Peery Wright
E. A. Wood
Errett Williams
J. F. Wilson
Orval Ward
C. G. Woolen
E. E. Wilson
F. S. Whited
Geo. E. Wooding
L. E. Weaver
Cecil Wilson
Thos. H. Walker
Lloyd L. Welck
Shattuck Wilson
Arthur E. Walker
Wm. H. Wall
Wm. Dale Wayman
Alva Yarrington
J. E. Yarnell
Miles Yount
Edgar Yount
Raymond Yeater
Claude Young
Frank Zentz
Sam Zumwalt
Clif. Zumwalt
Necrology.
men from Gentry County, who died in the
Donald F. Holden
Wm. Earl Hulet
Harry T. Elder
.) David Ed. Hardin
William Hutchcraft
B. Hyten
Harold Lamb
Hallie Leith
James LeMaster
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 323
Porter Mothershead Raymond Sager
John Joseph O'Malley Clifford Zumwalt
James R. Park Edward T. Lindsay
James Rader Cecil A. Rice
Homer Rouse John Matney
Clarence D. Tunnell John Gyer
Guy Oren Smith
Red Cross and Other Societies in the World War — The response of
any people to patriotic demands in time of war is a good standard by
which to measure their true worth. The World War called for three
things: Men, money and relief work.
Volunteer relief work began with the war. The W. C. T. U. waited
for no call except the needs of the soldiers. So with many smaller socie-
ties. They went at once to the work of relief. Almost every community
had examples of this activity. All over the county people wanted to help.
The call for a Y. M. C. A. drive to raise $5,000.00 for war work
was apportioned out to the various subdivisions of the county and was
quickly over-subscribed. The response came promptly from all parts of
the county.
When all these activities were merged, and placed officially in
charge of the Red Cross. The scope of the work was not at once under-
stood. It took some time to realize the need of complete organization
and proper co-ordination.
With Victor Twist as president. Rep. J. W. Mays, secretary and
Mrs. Mary O'Mally at the head of the Woman's Department, the Red
Cross soon came into fullest efficiency. Co-operation became universal.
Thirteen branches were scattered over the county. The membership rose
to 5,000. Almost every citizen, man or woman, offered something —
wanted a part.
As well as money, many men and women devoted all possible spare
time to some form of relief work. Albany held a sale with proceeds of
$3,000.00. King City's sale produced $4,000.00. Some $10,000 were
turned into the general treasury.
There follows a list of Red Cross branches in Gentry County: Al-
bany branches, Stanberry, King City, McFall, Darlington, Lone Star, Si-
loam, Gentryville, Gentr>\ Willow Row, Pleasant Valley, Huggins and
Ford City.
The following is a list of articles shipped: Hospital bed shirts,
3,347; wash cloths, 1,201 ; handkerchiefs, 1,499; sweaters, 1.217; band-
ages, 9,843; helmets, 246; wristlets, 461; gun wipes, 111,765; socks,
324 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
2,336; pajamas, 1,532; napkins, 656; gauze compresses, 19,843; under
garments, 1,479; miscellaneous, 901.
Such volume and variety of results, spread over the county, re-
quired a vast amount of supervision in almost endless detail. This part
of the work was in addition to money given or garments made. It was
cheerfully volunteered and faithfully carried through — an abiding tes-
timony to the unfailing spirit of sympathy and effective helpfulness so
general throughout the whole of the county.
When the war closed and its immediate consequences had been ar-
ranged for, Gentry County citizens did not suffer the Red Cross work to
lapse. With G. M. Peery, as chaii-man of the County Chapter and Miss
Elma Hundley as secretary, the work of the Red Cross has been made
permanent.
Miss Gladys Blume, R. N., has been engaged as Public Health
Nurse and is now in her third year, salary and expenses are paid by the
Red Cross organization.
Miss Blume's position is thus defined: The Gentry County Chapter
of American Red Cross has secured the services of a Red Cross Public
Health Nurse.
Duties — (1) To give skilled nursing care through short visits to the
patient. (2) Actual demon.strations at the bedside. (3) Instruction in
the care of the patient and in those laws of hygiene necessary to the pro-
tection of the family and community. (4) Visiting and examining school
children. (5) Teaching classes in "Home Hygiene and Care of the Sick."
The nurse does not stay in the home of the patient, but spends one
or two hours a day in the home, giving whatever care may be indicated
or whatever treatment may have been ordered by the doctor and teach-
ing the family how to care for the patient until her next visit. She always
works under the direction of a physician.
In general the organization throughout the county is a continua-
tion from the war period. The interest continues. In two of the south-
west district conventions Gentry County has had the largest delegation
in attendance from any county, except the county in which St. Joseph is
located.
The work is largely among the children of the graded schools, and
makes for better citizens. And the county is earnest in its support.
The efficient work which has been done by Gentry Red Cross Chap-
ter the past year has attracted the attention of the officers of the South-
west Division, at St. Louis, as well as of those at eastern headquarters,
and as a result this county has been given the distinction of being made
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 325
one of two counties in Missouri for the demonstration of Junior Red
Cross work.
Bond Sales — The banks of the county cheerfully undertook the
placing of United States securities. They responded to every call, and
during the war period an aggregate of about $2,000,000 was sold in the
county. The people met the various calls with a commendable spirit of
determination to see things through in matters financial.
To this should be added the many thousands in small items han-
dled by the .post-offices. The total number of contributors cannot be
known, but the response was very general, and in many cases, generous
beyond the means of small investors, who, once the war was over, they
were compelled to part with their stamps and small bonds at a heavy
discount, but to their lasting honor let it be said that when the need was
greatest, they more than did their share.
CHAPTER XVII.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
COUNTY COURT JUDGES— PROBATE JUDGES— CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT— CLERKS
OF COUNTY COURTS— CIRCUIT AND COUNTY ATTORNEYS— SHERIFFS— COLLEC-
TORS— ASSESSORS— TREASURERS— JUDGES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT— REPRE-
SENTATIVES— COUNTY SURVEYORS— SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS— CORONERS-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS.
County Court Judges.
Michael Maltsberger, William Steel, Samuel Collins, appointed in
1845.
Michael Maltsberger, John C. Williams, William A. Childers,
elected for four years.
In 1849 Joseph Hawkins was appointed by the governor to fill va-
cancy occasioned by the resignation of Michael Maltsberger.
Joseph Hawkins, Phillip Messimer, P. R. Cadle, elected in 1850.
James M. Howell, Peter Price, Adam Black, elected in 1854.
By virtue of an act of the legislature of 1854 and 1855 three justices
of the county court were reuired to be elected at the general election in
1856, one to hold the office for six years, one for four years and the other
for two yars, at which election Enoch Liggett, Robert Boggs and J. G.
Wright were elected, in 1856.
In 1860 Enoch Liggett, Robert Boggs and J. G. Wright composed
the county court.
Enoch Ligget, Jesse Gay and Jacob Jones, in 1862.
Enoch Ligget, Jacob Jones and George W. Needels, in 1864.
George W. Needels, Jacob Jones, John J. Ross, in 1866.
J. T. Brown, John Huggins, Charles Lowery, in 1868.
John Huggins, Thomas J. Brown, John Hall, in 1870.
Thomas J. Brown, John Hall, John P. Lilley, in 1872.
John Hall, John P. Lilley, Elisha Cameron, in 1874.
Dimmon Dorsey was elected, but died before entering upon the
duties of the office, and Cameron was appointed to fill the vacancy.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 327
Logan Peery, John P. Lilley, Jacob Kessler, in 1876.
Samuel Jordan, R. H. Davidson, Albert J. Clark, in 1878.
Thomas J. Stockton, James H. Campbell, Samuel Jordan, in 1880.
Thomas J. Stockton, J. H. Campbell, J. E. McGuire, in 1883.
K. McKenney, J. H. Mitchell, E. M. McLeod, in 1885.
K. McKenney, E. O'Malley, L. C. Norman, in 1887.
F. C. Norman, A. N. Vance, Ambrose Jennings, in 1893.
A. L. Garrett, H. R. Jameson, Wm.. M. Pryor, in 1895.
W. F. Conley, H. R. Jameson, Wm. M. Pryor, in 1897.
W. F. Conley, A. C. Gartin, F. J. Howell, in 1899.
W. F. Conley, A. C. Gartin, J. S. Hazen, in 1901.
Eli Robertson, T. T. Pratt, John Madera, in 1903.
Eli Robertson, T. N. Rigney, George Rose, in 1907.
Eli Robertson, T. N. Rigney, B. M. Ross, in 1909.
B. M. Ross, J. M. Parnam, J. S. Hazen, in 1911.
B. M. Ross, J. M. Parnam, S. H. Dresbach, in 1913.
T. N. Rigney, D. L. Bratcher, S. H. Drisbach, in 1915.
T. N. Rigney, D. L. Bratcher, Geo. W. Rose, in 1917.
T. N. Rigney, Orville Brovi^n, Geo. W. Rose, in 1919.
T. N. Rigney, Orville Brown, Lester Hawthorne, in 1921.
Probate Judges.
George W. Lewis, elected in 1849, and in 1855, re-elected for the
term of six years.
James M. Howell, elected in August, 1861, for six years, but after-
wards resigned, and Charles G. Comstock was appointed to fill the va-
cancy in May, 1862.
H. M. Rice, elected in November, 1862, who held the office until
June, 1866, when he resigned, and Isaac P. Caldwell was appointed to
fill the vacancy.
Calvin B. Hinkley, elected in November, 1868.
Caleb S. Canaday, elected in November, 1872.
Joseph B. Kingsborough, elected in November, 1876.
William G. Williams elected in 1880.
W. B. Mastin elected in 1883.
J. W. Sullinger, elected in 1885.
Jasper Cox, elected in 1895.
J. T. S. De Bord, elected in 1903.
J. A. Judd, elected in 1907.
G. P. Adams, elected in 1915.
328 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Clerks of the Circuit Court.
Elijah P. Powell; Robert E. Dougherty; James 0. George; A. G.
Whitton ; Charles G. Comstock ; James West; Archibald B. Ross; Joshua
B. Thomas; J. B. Thomas, 1882; J. S. Williams, 1893; D. S. Flowers,
1895; H. J. Peery, 1903; J. S. Hawthorn, 1911; Ed E. Birge, 1915 to
present time.
Clerks of the County Court.
George W. Birch; Calvin B. Hartwell, appointed to fill vacancy; A.
G. Whitton; James R. Cunningham; William B. Castor; Bart H. Wat-
kins; John T. Daniel; William B. Whitley; G. T. Patton, 1883; J. F.
Wood, 1893; R. B. Coffey, 1895-97; C. M. McNeese, 1899-1903; Wm. E.
Teel, 1907-13; C. H. Mothershead, 1915-21.
Circuit and County Attorneys.
Isaac N. Jones; Lawrence Archer; James Craig; Jonathan M. Bas-
sett; William G. Lewis, two terms; Thomas H. Collins; B. K. Davies;
Thomas Collins.
The legislature at its session of 1870-1871 abolished the office of
circuit attorney and substituted in its place the office of prosecuting at-
torney of each county.
Charles H. Goodman was the first elected under the present law
and held the office two terms. Joseph L. McCullough was elected in
1876 and served two terms. Ebenezer H. Wood, George W. Lewis, Wil-
liam M. Albin, Charles G. Comstock, Isaac P. Caldwell, Charles O. Pat-
ton and Wallace Hubbard; J. W. Witten, 1883; J. H. McCarty, 1885;
S. H. Benson, 1887; Wm. F. Dalby, 1893; J. A. Showen, 1897; S. H.
Benson, 1901; C. E. Gibboney, 1907; J. B. Wayman, 1909; E. C. Lock-
wood, 1913 ; D. D. Reeves, 1915 ; F. J. McCaslin, 1917 ; C. E. Ernst, 1919,
to the present time.
Sheriffs.
James M. Howell; Elisha Cameron; George W. Birch; Thomas
Kier; William B. Shoemaker; H. M. Rice; Frank Barkley; James B.
Scott; Elisha Cameron; Henton Gibbany; James H. Gillispie; John
Thompson, 1883; Wm. S. Jennings, 1885; Joseph A. Ross, 1887; B. B.
Harrison, 1889; J. A. Ross, 1893; G. W. Reed, 1895; P. H. Buckley,
1899; J. T. Jennings, 1903; W. G. Carmack, 1907; J. A. Ross, 1913; C.
C. Fee, 1917; Dale Brown, 1921.
Collectors.
Robert M. Cammon, 1872, re-elected in 1874; Francis M. Setzer,
1876, re-elected in 1878, and also in 1880; J. F. Liggett, 1882; H. M.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 329
Wayman; M. O. Mothershead; Hugh Stevenson; M. O. Mothershead,
1893; T. W. Kelley, 1895; D. W. Barrett, 1897; I. G. Patton, 1901. Of-
fice merged.
Assessors of County.
John Huggins, Levi Yates, James A. Crawford, A. Garard, Joseph
B. Kingsborough, James B. Scott, L. G. Jenkins, E. B. Crissey, Clinton B.
Hash, T. Y. Grantham and Charles D. Blodgett; W. M. Harris; Ed. E.
Ennis; M. 0. Mothershead; J. D. Pelly, 1893; L. P. James, 1895; Wm.
N. Bently, 1901. Office merged.
Treasurers of County.
John B. Hundley, William G. Williams, James C. Carter, Mordecai
M. Embree, James W. Owen, Logan H. Peery, Harvey M. Cranor,
Charles Embree, and C. B. Harris; R. W. Crockett; D. F. Robertson; Hi-
ram De Priest, 1893; T. S. Gillespie, 1895; Alex Owings, 1899; J. T.
Brooks, 1903 ; J. S. Clark, 1907 ; F. E. Blue, 1913 ; Orville Parman, 1921.
Judges of the Circuit Court.
Solomon L. Leonard; W. B. Almond; Elijah H. Norton; James Mc-
Ferren; William Heme; Jonas P. Clark; Isaac C. Parker; Bennett Pike;
Samuel A. Richardson; John C. Howell; C. H. S. Goodman, 1882; Cy-
rus A. Anthony, 1893; Gallatin Craig, 1899; William C. Ellison, 1907;
John M. Dawson, 1917.
Members House of Representatives.
William G. Williams, 1846; Richard Roberts, 1848; Joab Neal,
1850; Daniel Conway, 1852; Nathaniel Mothersead, 1854; William M.
Albin, 1856; James R. Conway, 1858; Reuben Shultz, 1860; James R.
Conway, 1862; David Cranor, 1864; Hudson M. Rice, 1866; Charles C.
Byrne, 1868; Phillip M. Adams, 1870; Enoch Liggett, 1872; James L.
McCullough', 1874; David C. Ganaway, 1876; Thomas A. McKinney, A.
B. Ross, 1880; Anderson C. Smith, 1883; Frank A. Weimar, 1885; John
T. Liggett, 1889 ; Oliver P. Russ, 1891 ; Edwin E. Ennis, 1893 ; James W.
Sullinger, 1895 ; David F. Ftizgerald, 1897 ; Henry P. Tandy, 1901 ; Sam-
uel T. Earixson, 1903 ; John A. Dale, 1907 ; John H. Burgin, 1911 ; J. W.
McKnight, 1913; Drank Jones, 1917; W. S. Hardin, 1921.
County Surveyors.
John Plasters; Thomas Keith; James L. Plasters; A. Garard; Pier-
pont H. B. Moulton; Fred N. Henton; George T. Kenyon ; G. Butler; S.
G. Clark, 1893-1901; W. A. Hunton, 1901-1909; J. B. H. Ray, 1915; C.
N. Dewin, 1921 to present time.
330 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
School Superintendents.
John H. Whedbee, 1857; David McGaughey, 1860-'62; W. B. Cas-
tor, 1864; N. Thomas Rogers, 1866; John B. Twist, 1868-'72; L. C. Tay-
lor, 1873; W. B. Whitely, 1875-'77; John H. Sampson, appointed 1878;
George Pomeroy, 1879-'80; C. B. Hinkley, 1881-'83; J. H. Markley,
1897; W. D. Crosswhite, 1899; G. L. Gray, 1909; C. H. Allen, 1911;
Egbert Jennings, 1915; Gretchen Jennings, 1917; E. C. Duncan, 1919,
to present time.
Coroner.
C. B. Hinkley; J. S. Hathaway; L. H. Peery; J. L. McCullough; R.
P. Duncan; T. A. Daugherty; L. E. Miller; L. H. Peery; R. P. Duncan,
1893; T. A. Daugherty, 1895; L. E. Miller, 1897; J. D. Halstead, 1899;
L. H. Peery, 1901; T. E. Graham, 1903; J. N. Barger, 1907 to 1915; A.
M. Ganaway, 1917; G. W. Whitley, 1919; S. O. Harding, 1921.
Public Administrator.
R. L. Whaley; Horace Peery; Wallace Hubbard, 1884 to 1903; C.
H. S. Goodman, 1907 to 1911 ; W. H. Haas, 1913 to 1915 ; R. M. McCam-
mon, 1918, to present time.
i^Pt5:2:<£^t:is?^^--v
PART III.
Biographical.
Hon Joshua W. Alexander, attorney at Gallatin, Daviess County, has
had the honor of distinctive public service for his community and for the
state during a period of 46 years. His long period of public life has covered
the epoch making years of America public policies. Admitted to the bar in
Missouri, in 1875. he began practicing in Gallatin, and he next year was
elected public administrator of Daviess County. This position he held with
credit until 1882. That year he became a member of the Gallatin Board of
Education, serving first as the president, and later as the secretary. He
remained on the board for 21 years, and his high ideals of the duty of the
state in relation to the educational facilities for its future citizens have
been instrumental in molding the public school policies of Gallatin.
In 1882, Mr. Alexander was elected to the office of representative of
Daviess County, and served in the Missouri General Assembly through
some eventful years. He was the chairman of the committee on appropria-
tions in the 33rd General Assembly, and was a leader in the enactment of
legislation enforcing the provisions of the constitution of 1875 to correct
abuses and prevent unjust discrimination and extortion in the rates of
freight and passenger tariffs, and establishing reasonable maximum rates
of charges for the transportation of passengers and freight on the rail-
roads in the state.
For two successive terms, Judge Alexander served as the mayor of
Gallatin. In 1894 he was appointed a member of the Board of Managers
of the Missouri State Hospital No. 2 at St. Joseph by Gov. W. J. Stone, and
served for a number of years. In the meantime he had continued his prac-
tice of law with increasing success, and because of his well established
ability, in Januaiy, 1901, he was appointed by Gov. L. V. Stephens, judge
of the 7th Judicial Circuit to fill out the unexpired term of Judge E. J.
Broaddus, who had been elected judge of the Kansas City Court of Appeals
in November, 1900. In 1904 Judge Alexander was reelected judge for a
term of six years, but in 1906, without being a candidate, he was nominated
as representative in the Congress of the U. S. from the Third Congressional
District, and the following November he was elected to that oflfice. In
February 1907 he resigned from the bench to assume his new duties in
332 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY BOUNTIES
Washington, and he continued in active service there during the 60th, 61st,
62nd, 63rd, 64th, 65th, and 66th Congress up to Dec. 15, 1919.
Judge Alexander's services to the nation have been well known. He
was the chairman of the Committee on the Merchant Marine and Fisheries
in the 62nd, 63rd, 64th, and 65th, Congresses. One of the important pieces
of work done after the Democrats gained control of the House in the 62nd
Congress conducted by Judge Alexander was the "Investigation of the
Shipping Combinations" under House Resolution No. 587. His work in
connection with that investigation, his report to the House and the bills
introduced by him to carry out the recommendations of the committee, are
among his greatest achievements during the period of his congressional
service. Following the sinking of the steamship. Titanic, in April, 1912,
Judge Alexander introduced the joint resolution, which became a law in
June, 1912, authorizing the President of the United States to call or partic-
ipate in an international conference on the subject of Greater Safety of
Life at Sea. The Conference was called by Great Britian, and President
Wilson appointed Judge Alexander the Chairman of the United States
Commissioners to this conference which met in London from Nov. 12, 1913
to Jan. 20, 1914. Participating in the conference were 14 nations, besides
Canada, Australia and New Zealand. All the great maritime nations were
represented in the conference. The Convention upon which the Conference
agreed, was ratified by the United States Senate, and Judge Alexander was
personally congratulated by President Wilson for the distinguished service
which he had rendered the United States government in the Conference.
Judge Alexander's ability and his intense desire to accomplish the
things which he felt were essential to the prosperity and welfare of the
government, kept him active in Congress. In, 1914, shortly after the
World War began he introduced into Congress the Bill creating the War
Risk Insurance Bureau in the Treasury Department. The aim of this legis-
lation was to insure merchant vessels, their freight money and cargoes
against war risks. The bill became a law in August, 1914. Later and to
meet conditions as they arose during the war. Judge Alexander introduced
bills, which became laws, extending the Act Creating the Bureau of War
Risk Insurance, to protect the officers and seamen on U.S. Merchant vessels,
against the risks of navigation in the war zone. He is also author of what
is known as the Shipping Act of 1916 ; this Act created the United States
Shipping Board and under its provisions the United States Emergency
Fleet Corporation was incorporated, and both organizations rendered great
service in building up our merchant marine to meet the imparative needs
of the World War, as well as to meet the requirements of our foreign com-
merce in the time of peace.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 333
In September, 1917, Judge Alexander introduced the l^ill further
amending the Act creating the Bureau of War Risk Insurance, which be-
came a law Oct. 6, 1917, known as the Soldiers and Sailors Insurance Act;
all of these bills were war measures, and were put through Congress with
expedition, and were some of the many accomplishments of the Wilson Ad-
ministration.
Judge Alexander took a prominent part in framing the Radio Act of
1912, and in all legislation enacted by the Congress regulating wireless
communication, and requiring vessels carrying passengers to be equipped
with wireless apparatus.
On Dec. 15, 1919, Judge Alexander's loyal arduous, and able service
to the Country and the Administration was rewarded by his appointment
to a seat in the Cabinet of President Woodrow Wilson, as Secretary of Com-
merce, succeeding Hon. William C. Redfield of New York. He served in the
Cabinet of President Wilson until March 4, 1921, going out of office with the
Wilson Administration. The great honor of a seat in President Wilson's
Cabinet came to Judge Alexander unsought on his part, but met with
universal approval.
Judge Alexander always refers to his service in Congress as represen-
tative of the Third Congressional District with gi-eat satisfaction. He had
a fine constituency and did his utmost to reward their loyalty to him by
efficient servcie.
The above brief review of Judge Alexander's service to his community,
his state and his country, is only a brief summary of the labors of a man of
great ability, high ideals and eminent fitness for public service, and of the
power he possessed to carry to a successful sonsummation the policies and
ideals in which he believed. But back of Judge Alexander lies several gen-
erations of fine family stock. The Alexanders are Scotch-Irish ancestry;
and during the days of the American Revolution, they emigrated to Amer-
ica and settled in a rugged section of Southwestern Pa. They were Pres-
byterians in religious faith. Both of Judge Alexander's paternal grand-
parents were born and reared in Washington County, Pa. They were mar-
ried in that county in 1796 and soon thereafter moved to Mercer County,
Pa., where they were among the very first settlers; there they improved a
farm and, there the Alexanders early became identified with all the stirring
events and romance of early pioneer life in western Pennsylvania.
Thomas W. Alexander, father of Judge Alexander, was born and rear-
ed on a farm in Mercer County, Pa., and later learned the carpenter's trade
at which he worked in Pitbtsurg and later in Cincinnatti, Ohio. He mar-
ried Jane Robinson in the latter city. She was a woman of fine intellect and
esteemed for her many womanly virtues. She was born in England and
334 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
was brought to the United States in her infancy. The only child born to
this union was Joshua W., the subject of this sketch. He was born in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, Jan. 22, 1852. Four years later his father went to Minnesota
because of ill health. There he was joined the following year by his wife
and little son. Thomas W. Alexander died in Minnesota, Oct. 12, 1859, and
the following spring his widow and son came to Canton, Mo., to live, but
soon returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Judge Alexander spent three
years in the public schools, and in 1863 he and his mother returned to
Canton, Mo. After his graduation from the public school in Canton, Judge
Alexander entered Christian University there in 1868. He graduated from
the university with a degree of A. B. in 1872. In June of the next year he
came to Gallatin, to visit three former classmates, W. N., James A. and
George W. Richardson, sons of Judge Samuel A. Richardson. Judge Alex-
ander was then 21 years old and had planned to study law and fit himself
for the legal profession. He planned to go to California and after teaching
school for a time to fit himself for the law. But Judge Richardson prevail-
ed upon him to remain in Gallatin and study law in the latter's office. The
families later became more intimately connected through the marriage of
Judge Alexander to a daughter of Judge Richardson. From the time of
his admission to the bar in 1875 Judge Alexander's success was assured,
and his career has amply proven the keen foresight of Judge Richardson,
when he insisted upon the young, untried but promising man remaining in
the state, which he has served so faithfully In February, 1876, Judge
Alexander was married to Roe Ann Richardson, daughter of Judge Samuel
A. Richardson. Mrs. Alexander is an ideal wife and mother, and has dis-
charged all the duties of her station in life with good taste, rare tact and
judgment. Judge and Mrs. Alexander are the parents of 12 children,
four of whom died in infancy ; of the others, Samuel T. the oldest son, was
educated in the public schools of Gallatin and the University of Missouri,
and for several years was grain inspector at St. Louis under the State Rail-
road and Warehouse Commission, resigned and engaged in business at Col-
umbia, Mo., from which he was later compelled to retire on account of
a sudden breakdown in health, and died Dec. 24, 1915. He married Miss
Eulalie Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Campbell of Columbia, and
is survived by his wife and two sons ; a daughter, Julia Jane, educated in
the public school of Gallatin and at Grand River College in that city. She
is now a widow, her husband Dr. N. R. Jenner one of the leading physicians
of Washington, D. C, having died April 14, 1921 ; Francis, who was edu-
cated in the public school at Gallatin, and at Grand River College, and a
student for three and one half years in the St. Louis School of Fine Art,
is the wife of Arthur G. Ficklin one of the leading farmers of Gentrj'
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 335
County; George Forrest, graduate of High School of Gallatin and of the
State University of Msisouri in 1904, with the degree of L. D., removed
to Portland, Ore., in 1912, engaged in the practice of law, appoined United
States Marshall for the state of Oregon in September, 1917, serving until
Oct. 1, 1921, when he resumed the practice of law at Portland, Ore. He is
married, his wife (Nee Lola Mae Surface) and four children, two sons and
two daughters grace his home; Rowena attended the public schools at Gal-
latin and William Wood College at Fulton, Mo., makes her home with her
parents; Preston Carter, graduated from both academic and law depart-
ments of the University of Missouri, practiced law for a time with his
brother George F., in Portland, Ore., later returned to Missouri and on
July 23, 1918, after our entry into the World War, enlisted in the U. S.
Army and was assigned to 9th Co. 164th Dept. Brigade July 25, and trans-
ferred to Field Hospital Company No. 238 (Sanitary Train) August 5,
1918, was discharged from service Jan. 23, 1919, and is now serving in the
office of the Solicitor of Internal Revenue, Washington, D. C. ; Walter Rich-
ardson, a brief sketch of whose life appears later; and Lawrence Wood-
ward, graduated from the Gallatin High School, entered the United States
Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., in 1918 as a Midshipman, resigned in
September, 1919, after the World War, and entered the University of Mis-
souri. During the greater part of the seasons of 1920 and 1921 he served
as deck officer on vessels of the United States engaged in the coast survey
off the coasts of Florida and Alaska.
Walter Richardson Alexander was educated in the Public School at
Gallatin, was a student in the University of Missouri for two years and
completed his academic and law courses at George WasTiington University,
Washington, D. C, and was admitted to the bar in the latter city. He
served as Secretary of the United States Commissioners to the Interna-
tional Conference on Safety of Life at Sea at London, England in 1913 and
1914. In February, 1917 he entered the legal department of the United
States Shipping Board and was serving in that capacity February 1, 1918
when he enlisted in the U. S. Army Aviation Corps in the World War. He
was called into active service June 1, 1918, and went immediately into
active training and qualified as an observer with the rank of second lieu-
tenant. On Feb. 1, 1919, he was transferred to the reserve, with the rank
of .second lieutenant Aviation Section Signal Reserve Corps, U. S. Army,
and ten days later resumed his position with the U. S. Shipping Board.
On December 21, 1920, while preparing to make a flight in an army air-
plane at Boiling Field, Anacostia, D. C, Lieutenant Alexander was struck
on the head by the propellar of the machine and killed instantly. He was
accounted one of the brilliant young men in his profession and had entered
336 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
upon a useful career, and met tragic death in the line of duty. The Sec-
retary of War and the U. S. Shipping Board presented Judge Alexander
with testimonials of the fine character and services rendered by their son.
Judge Alexander has been an active member of the Christian church
from his youth. In June, 1917, his alma mater. Christian University, con-
ferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts in recognition of his public
services. In the annals of Missouri the name of Judge Alexander will live
as representing the finest, highest type of citizen the state has produced.
It is with more than ordinary pride that the state points to such men.
Such a life and service to state and nation should be an inspiration to the
youth of our land, and proves what may be achieved by devotion to a laud-
able ambition to make for oneself a name worthy to be remembered.
Homer Feurt, the efificient and well known president of the Farmers
Exchange Bank at Gallatin, has filled all of the offices from bookkeeper
to president in the bank, and hence is thoroughly conversant with every
detail of the business of the institution. For this reason he is one of the
most valuable officers, as well as one of the most competent financiers
of the county.
Homer Feurt was born on Nov. 1, 1876, at Jameson, the son of T.
A. and Mary E. (Prewett) Feurt, to whom three children were born:
Ora, the wife of N. R. Barnett, living near Gallatin; Cort, a farmer near
Jameson ; and Homer, the subject of this review. T. A. Feurt and his
wife now live on a farm near Jameson.
Homer Feurt was reared on a farm, and attended the rural schools
in his boyhood. Later he was a student in Grand River College, and in
1899 became engaged in work in the Farmers Exchange Bank at Galla-
tin. He worked in the bank before and after school hours, and was
steadily promoted, until he reached his present position to which he was
elected in February, 1915. Mr. Feurt has land holdings of 280 acres,
most of which is in Daviess County, and the remainder in Colorado.
On June 3, 1909, Mr. Feurt was married to Numa F. Netherton,
who was born near Bancroft, the daughter of Moses G. and Almira C.
(Brown) Netherton. Mr. and Mrs. Netherton were both born in Daviess
County, and are both now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Feurt have three chil-
dren : Thomas N., Robert G., and Frances C.
Mr. Feurt is a Democrat, and is identified with the Christian Church
in which he is a deacon. He is a member of the Masonic Lodge and the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge. In 1918, Mr. Feurt was
elected to the oflRce of mayor of Gallatin, and served with distinction for
two years. He has been a member of the Board of Education of Galla-
tin for six years, and is now the vice president of that body. Mr. Feurt
HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 337
is a man of keen and alert intellect, a broad and intense understanding
of financial affairs, and possessing a high degree of civic pride. He is
an asset to his community.
Dr. R. V. Thompson, well known business man of Daviess County
and the efficient cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank at Gallatin, is a
native of New York, where he was born, Feb. 27, 1864, the son of Rich-
ard and Hester (Booth) Thompson. His father was of English parent-
age, and spent all of his life in New York, where he was a miller by
trade, and where he died in 1868. Mrs. Thompson, a native of New
York, brought her family of ten children to Livingston County, after the
death of her husband. She bought a small tract of unimproved land,
which was later improved by her children, and on this farm she spent
the remainder of her life. She died in 1898.
R. V. Thompson, the ninth child born to his parents, attended the
schools of Livingston County, and later was a student in the old Avalon
College at Avalon, an educational institution under the management of
the United Brethern Church. This college was later moved to Trenton,
about 1891. Dr. Thompson began the study of medicine under the tute-
lage of Dr. T. W. Foster, and studied with him for two years. He then
went to St. Louis, where he graduated at the Missouri Medical College
March 5, 1889. He began practicing his profession at Jamesport, and in
1892, and later took a post graduate course in Chicago at the Chicago
Polyclinic. After completing his work there he returned to Jamesport,
and was actively engaged in his profession until 1897, when he accepted
a position as cashier of the Farmers and Merchants Bank of Jamesport.
Two years later he resigned this place, and resumed the practice of med-
icine. At the end of three years, he again accepted a position as cashier
in the bank, which place he retained until he was elected president of
the bank in 1909. Two years later the Farmers and Merchants Bank of
Jamesport was consolidated with the First National Bank at that place,
and the institution has since been known as the Commercial Bank of
Jamesport. In 1915 Dr. Thompson came to Gallatin as the cashier of
the Farmers Exchange Bank, and has filled that office in a highly compe-
tent manner ever since.
Dr. Thompson was married on Feb. 11, 1891, to Jennie Nickell, a
daughter of Rev. W. N. Nickell. Rev. Nickell has been identified with
the Missouri Presbytery throughout a long career as a Presbyterian min-
ister. He is now in charge of the church at Lowry City. Dr. and Mrs.
Thompson have three children: Blanche, married to J. Frank Smith of
Colorado; Victor, living in Colorado; and Mary Frances.
Dr. Thompson is a Democrat, and is a member of the Knights of
338 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Pythias Lodge. He served as coroner of Daviess County for two terms,
and was the mayor of Jamesport for one term. For a period of 17 years
he was a member of the Board of Education at Jamesport and was the
treasurer of that organization. In his professional associations, Dr.
Thompson is a member of the Daviess County Medical Society, the
Grand River Medical Society, the North Missouri Medical Society, and
the Missouri State Medical Association. He is one of the highly es-
teemed and influential citizens of Daviess County, a man who in busi-
ness, in his official capacity in his community, and as a private individ-
ual, manifests a keen and intense appreciation of all that pertains to the
welfare of the town and its citizens.
Joseph McElvain, esteemed throughout his community as one of
the rising young busine.ss men, is the assistant cashier of the Farmers
Exchange Bank at Gallatin. He was born on a farm in Allen Township,
Worth County, Feb. 25, 1886, the son of Cyrus and Ottie (Beaver) Mc-
Elvain.
Cyrus McElvain was born in Perry County, 111., in 1848, the son of
Judge Andrew J. and Deborah (Combs) McElvain. When Cyrus McEl-
vain was six years old, his parents moved to Worth County, Missouri,
and settled in a part of that county which was then incorporated in Gen-
try County. They made the trip from Illinois to Missouri in wagons, and,
because of a delay in receiving their relinquishment rights to the land,
which they took up, the family was forced to live in the wagons for a
time after they reached Missouri. They camped by the roadside, and
lived in the open, no uncommon experience for the pioneers of that day.
Judge McElvain had spent his life in Illinois, where he was born ; and
his wife, a native of Tennessee, had come with her parents to Illinois in
1835, so both of them were familiar with the hardships of the newly set-
tled middle west. To their union five children were born, Cyrus, the
father of Joseph McElvain, being the second. Judge McElvain served in
the legislature for two terms, and was one of the prominent men of his
day in northwest Missouri.
Cyrus McElvain was reared on a farm and farmed land in Worth
County until 1875 when he moved to Fremont County, Iowa. He located
on a farm there and remained in Iowa until 1881, when he returned to
Worth County. In 1870 he manned Olive M. Beaver, born in Crawford
County, Ohio, the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Emery) Beaver, early
settlers of Worth County. To the union of Cyrus and Olive M. (Beaver)
McElvain the following children were born : Maisie, the wife of W. Spill-
man, a hardware merchant of Grant City; Willard ; Stella, married to
Peter Bram, in the hardware business at Denver; Fred; Bessie; Josie,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 339
the wife of E. Martin of Allendale; Andrew; Joseph, the subject of this
review; Edna, married to Fred Williams, who is in the mercantile busi-
ness at Denver; Alpha; and Millie. Mrs. McElvain died, Nov. 7, 1921,
at the age of 69 years, and Mr. McElvain still lives on his farm in Worth
County. He is a Republican, and is a member of the Baptist Church.
Joseph McElvain was reared on the farm. He attended the rural
schools and later was a student in Northwest Missouri College at Al-
bany. He began his work in the banking business as a clerk in the Bank
of Albany. He was afterwards made the assistant cashier in that bank;
but resigned that position in September, 1911, to come to Gallatin,
where he was made the assistant cashier of the Farmers Exchange Bank.
During the year 1911, Mr. McElvain built an all modern bungalow in
Gallatin, which has been his home ever since.
On Dec. 24, 1908, Mr. McElvain was married to Alpha Harrison,
born in Albany, the daughter of Alex and Mary (Hilton) Harrison. Mr.
Harrison was a produce and coal dealer. Both he and his wife are dead.
Mr. and Mrs. McElvain have one son, Donald, born on Jan. 27, 1913.
Joseph McElvain is a Republican, and is identified with the Bap-
tist Church. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.
He is an alert business man, and a citizen of high civic ideals.
A. J. Place, representative business man of Daviess County, is the
cashier of the First National Bank at Gallatin. He was born in Sheridan
Township in this county on March 10, 1872, the son of W. H. and Mar-
garet C. (McBrayer) Place.
W. H. Place was born in Daviess County, Missouri, in August, 1851.
In his early life he taught school, and later became a farmer. He at-
tended the rural schools of Davie.ss County and taught here for more
than 20 years. He was a Bible student of ability, and was accounted one
of the best read men on the subject of Jewish and Ancient History in the
community. He was a staunch adherent of the Christian Church, and
was a Republican. His father, Peleg Place, was a native of Ohio, who
came to Daviess County in pioneer days. W. H. Place filled some of the
offices of his township, where he was held in high esteem. In 1870 he
married Margaret C. McBrayer, born in Sheridan Township in 1853,
the daughter of A. J. and Nancy (McCrary) McBrayer. They were na-
tives of South Carolina and were among the first to begin farming in
Daviess County. W. H. Place died in 1913 and Mrs. Place died in 1915.
Their remains are buried in Brown Cemetery. Their children were: A.
J., the subject of this review; Osta, married R. T. Scott and lives on a
farm near Winston; P. M. engaged in the mercantile business at Jules-
burg, Col. ; and Delia, married to W. J. Gann, a merchant at Gallatin.
340 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
A. J. Place was reared on a farm ; attended first the rural schools
of Daviess County ; and later was a student in Kidder Institute at Kid-
der. In 1892 he entered the produce business at Gallatin, and has been
connected with various merchantile pursuits since that time. In Janu-
ary, 1907, he was made the assistant cashier of the First National Bank,
and in 1912 became the cashier of that institution, which position he has
filled in a competent and thoroughly efficient way ever since.
Mr. Place married Sarah A. Whitt on Dec. 23, 1893. She was born
in Monroe Township, the daughter of H. A. and Sarah (Place) Whitt,
both now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Place have nine children: Marion, in
the mercantile business at Cameron; Ollus, a merchant at Gallatin; Ros-
coe N., connected with a bank at Sterling, Col. ; Otis K., a resident of
Pocatello, Idaho; Russell, clerking in Gallatin; Osta Irene, a student in
Central College at Lexington ; and Charles and Lewis, both in the Galla-
tin High School; and Robert, a student in the grammar school.
Mr. Place is a Republican and a member of the Christian Church.
He belongs to the Masons and the Yeoman Lodges. He is an able officer
in the bank, a man of marked business acumen, and an excellent citizen.
Miss Hallie Burton, the capable and progressive county superin-
tendent of public schools of Daviess County, has her office in the court-
house at Gallatin. Miss Burton is thoroughly competent to handle the
school situation of the county as she was born and reared in Gallatin,
and has been an integral part of the school system of this part of the
state, both as a student in college and later as a teacher.
Miss Burton is the daughter of Dr. J. W. and Eliza C. (Woodward)
Burton, the former a native of Lawrence County, Indiana, where he was
born, Nov. 29, 1842. His parents were Eli and Mahala (Conley) Bur-
ton, both natives of North Carolina. Eli Burton went to Indiana when
he reached manhood, and settled on a farm. He and his wife reared a
family of nine children. Dr. John W. Burton attended the rui'al schools
in Indiana, and then entered the University of Michigan from which in-
stitution he received the degree of LL. B. In 1861 he enlisted for service
in the Civil War, and became a private in the 50th Regiment, Indiana
Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years, and was mustered out
as a corporal. He participated in the battles and skirmishes in Tennes-
see, Kentucky and Arkansas, including the battles of Mumfordville,
Camden, and the assault on Little Rock.
In March, 1865, Dr. Burton returned to Indiana, where he began to
read law at Bedford with A. B. Carlton. In 1866 he entered the Uni-
versity of Michigan, and in the spring of 1868 he came to Carrollton,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 341
Mo., where he was admitted to the bar. He later became interested in
dentistry, and took up that study. In 1872 he moved to Gallatin, where
he became a well known dentist. His clientage included patients from
Gentry, Harrison, Grundy, Caldwell, and Livingston Counties, in all of
which places he was recognized as a progressive and scientific dentist.
Dr. Burton married Eliza Catherine Woodward on Nov. 29, 1882.
She was born near Cainsville, April 23, 1859, and was a prominent
teacher in the county before her marriage. She was a daughter of John
and Julia Anna (Kennedy) Woodward. Elder John Woodward was
born in Jennings County, Indiana, Jan. 11, 1821, and lived there until
ten years of age when the family moved to Decatur County where he
lived 15 or 16 years. He professed religion and was married to Miss
Julia Ann Kennedy. In 1847 he and wife emigrated to Harrison County,
Missouri, and settled on the land adjoining Cainsville. In December,
1847 he and his wife united with the Baptist Church by letter. Shortly
afterward he was licensed to preach and was ordained. In May, 1840,
and most of the time up to his death he was actively engaged in the
ministry. He died Dec. 17, 1898. He preached almost 60 years; he was
a charter member of the Masonic Lodge and was Worshipful Master
for 12 or 15 years. He was an active worker in Temperance. He was
chaplain of the 3rd Regiment, M. S. M. during the Civil War. Julia Ann
Kennedy was born in Delaware County, N. Y., and came to Indiana
when but a child. She was born Aug. 27, 1820, and died Feb. 16, 1893.
To Dr. Burton and wife the following children were born: Hallie,
the subject of this review; Anna, died in 1914; Jay, died in 1907; and
Isom now connected with the street railway company in Los Angeles,
Calif. Mrs. Burton died at her home in Gallatin on April 9, 1917. Dr.
Burton is now a resident of Texarkana, Ark.
Hallie Burton grew up in Gallatin, and after completing her school
work there, became a student in Chillicothe Normal, Grand River Col-
lege at Gallatin, and the Missouri State University. She holds a Life
State Certificate and has had a varied and interesting teaching experi-
ence which has kept her in close touch with the vital issues of the pub-
lic schools. She taught at Gallatin for five years; at Jameson one year;
a year at Coffey and five years in the rural schools. She has handled
the work in every grade from the 1st to the 12th, and is therefore thor-
oughly conversant with the needs and standards for each grade.
Miss Burton is the first woman ever elected to a county office by
Daviess County. In April, 1915, she was elected to the position of
county superintendent of public schools, and in 1919 she was re-elected
to the same position. This record is conclusive proof of the support
342 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
which Miss Burton has from the county. She has made an excellent of-
ficial, and under her expert direction the schools of the county have
made marked progress. No part of the county history shows more con-
clusively the calibre of the citizens than does the part dealing with the
attitude toward providing educational facilities for the children of the
community. Miss Burton as the leader, and the men and women of the
county as her able assistants have co-operated in building up the schools
of Daviess County.
John Musselman, well known in Daviess County as a farmer, a
hardware merchant at Gallatin, and who served as the mayor of Galla-
tin, is a native of the county. He was born in Grand River Township,
four miles east of Jameson. His parents were Amos and Amanda A.
(Drummond) Musselman, who lived for a short time on the farm where
their son, John, was born on June 29, 1863.
Amos Musselman was born in Paulding County, Ohio, in 1834. He
came to Daviess County in 1858, where he taught school for a time, and
later became a boot and shoe maker at Jamesport. He moved to a farm
five miles northeast of Gallatin a short time afterwards, and in 1861 be-
gan farming. Mr. Musselman was the owner of 320 acres of land, and
was one of the successful farmers of his township. He was a Republican,
and served as the justice of the peace in Grand River Township. He was
married in Daviess County to Amanda A. Drummond, born near James-
port in 1842 and to their union the following children were born: Cyrus,
a retired farmer living at Gallatin; John, the subject of this review;
Ella, married to J. R. Foster of Jamesport; Celia, the wife of Samuel
Grant of Jamesport; Homer, an oil dealer at Gallatin; and Robert, farm-
ing in Grand River Township. Mrs. Musselman died in 1911, and Mr.
Musselman died in 1921. Their remains are bui-ied in the Masonic Cem-
etery at Jamesport.
John Musselman was reared on the farm and attended the rural
schools. He farmed in Grand River Township, where he was the owner
of 283 acres of land. He and his brother, Robert, now operate a farm in
partnership. In December, 1908, Mr. Musselman moved to Gallatin,
and the next year he bought a hardware store in partnership with J. A.
Mann. This business relation was maintained for four years, when Mr.
Musselman traded the stock to S. B. Scott for a farm near Altamont.
Mr. Musselman and Mr. Mann operated the farm for more than three
years, when they again bought the hardware stock from Mr. Scott.
They continued to operate the store until June, 1921, when Mr. Mann
sold out to John N. Brown. The firm is now known as Musselman and
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 343
Brown Hardware and Implements Company, and does a thriving busi-
ness. The store is located on the north side of the Square, and is one of
the well established enterprises of the town.
On Dec. 24, 1896, Mr. Musseljnan was married to Arminta King,
who was born, reared, and married in Springfield, 111. She was the
daughter of W. and Dulcenia (Barnett) King; the former of whom died
many years ago, and the latter died at the home of Mrs. Musselman on
July 28, 1921, at the age of 91 years. Mr. and Mrs. Musselman are rear-
ing a niece of Mr. Musselman's, Frances.
Mr. Musselman is a Republican, and is a member of the Masonic
Lodge. In the spring of 1920 he was elected to the office of mayor of
Gallatin, and made a competent and progressive official for one term. A
fire wagon was installed, the debt on it paid off, 800 feet of water main
has been laid, an ordinance prohibiting the parking of cars any place ex-
cept the middle of the sti-eet has been passed, and a sewer survey, look-
ing toward a complete modern sewage system, has been completed. Mr.
Musselman is now serving on the committee in charge of the draining of
the Muddy Creek. He is a man of high civic ideals, capable and practi-
cal in all of his work, a citizen of whom his town is justly proud.
D. Luther Lowrie, the assistant postmaster at Gallatin, was born,
reared, and educated in this community. His parents were H. C. and
Nannie (Sharrah) Lowrie, to whose union four children were born as
follows: Walter C, Glenrock, Wyo. ; Grace, the wife of Elmer Kirk-
patrick of Hamburg, Iowa ; Joseph H., a rural mail carrier at Gallatin ;
and D. Luther, the subject of this sketch, born at Gallatin, June 20,
1899.
H. C. Lowrie was born in Pennsylvania, Feb. 28, 1857. He came to
Gallatin in his youth and was a meat merchant for a few years, later ac-
cepting a position as a traveling salesman for a packing house, and
working out of Kansas City, Mo., where he now lives. His wife, Nan-
nie A. (Sharrah) Lowrie, was born in Daviess County on Jan. 2, 1861.
She lived on a farm until she was eight years old, when her parents died,
and she went to live with David Boggs and wife at Gallatin. Mr. Boggs
was a furniture dealer, a carpenter, and an expert cabinet maker. He
made a great deal of the furniture, which was sold from his store. Mrs.
Lowrie is a member of the Baptist Church, and now makes her home at
Gallatin.
D. Luther Lowrie graduated from the Gallatin High School in 1917,
and then went to clerk in Fitterer and Sons grocery store. He later
clerked in a jewelry store for Frank Wynne, and remained in that posi-
344 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
tion until July, 1918, when he took the civil service examinations, and
was given a temporary appointment as rural route carrier on Route No.
5, while his brother, the regular incumbent, was in service in the World
War. In March, 1919, Mr. Lowrie was made assistant postmaster at Gal-
latin, and has since capably filled that position.
Mr. Lowrie was married on Jan. 25, 1920, to Goldie Mae Railsback,
born in Daviess County, the daughter of Richard T. and Viola (McGar-
vin) Railsback. Mr. Railsback died in September, 1918, and Mrs. Rails-
back now ilves on her farm eight miles east of Gallatin. To Mr. and
Mrs. Lowrie one child has been born, a son, Richard Edwin.
Mr. Lowrie is a Democrat, and is a member of the Baptist church.
He is an energetic and capable young man, who has the esteem of the
entire community.
Colonel Boyd Dudley and his son, Boyd Dudley, Jr., are members of
a family that has been connected with the history of the United States
since the very early colonial days. The Dudley family has been an asset
to every community where its members have settled. While Mr. Dudley
was never in the militarj' service, he has, for more than a quarter of a cen-
tury, been called, and known as Colonel Dudley. He has been an integral
part of the development of Daviess County ; and Boyd Dudley, Jr., although
he no longer lives in the state, is a Missouri trained man, one whom the
state is proud to claim as a son.
William Dudley, an ancestor of Colonel Boyd Dudley, was born in Rich-
mond, Surrey, England, in 1600. He migrated to the American Colonies,
and died in Connectciut in 1683. A son, William, was born at sea in 1639.
One of William Dudley's sons, Samuel, was born in Connecticut, in 1712,
and was the father of another Samuel Dudley, also born in Connecticut, in
1763. He was one of the seven children born to his parents, and was the
grandfather of Colonel Boyd Dudley. Samuel Dudley enlisted for service
in the Colonial Ai-my during the Revolutionary War, when he was but 13
years old. He had a great fondness for the sea, and after his six years of
service for the country, wanted to become a sailor. But his mother in-
duced him to go to West Virginia, and locate on a farm, and there he mar-
ried and reared a family. One of his sons was Alpheus H. Dudley.
Alpheus H. Dudley was born in Marion County, W. Va., Jan. 31,
1827. He entered the mercantile business at Reevesville in West Virginia,
but in 1866 he came to Missouri, making the trip by steamboat do\\^^ the
Ohio River to Cincinnati, thence to Chillicothe, and from there by wagon
across the country to Daviess County. He bought 120 acres of land near
Bancroft in Lincoln Township, and became a successful farmer, but lived
only a short time after settling in his new home. He died on April 4, 1868,
^^c^wL/^
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 345
and his remains were buried in the Hill Cemetery. In 1855 Alpheus H.
Dudley married Martha McDougal. She was born in Marion County, W.
Va., March 22, 1835, the daughter of John F. McDougal. Mr. McDougal
Irved near Bancroft in Daviess County, for many years, and later lived at
Gillman, Harrison County, where he died at the age of 96 years. His son,
Henry C. McDougal, was a judge of the probate court of Daviess County,
in the seventies. To the union of Alpheus H. and Martha (McDougal Dud-
ley the following children were born: Paul, died in infancy; Boyd, the sub-
ject of this sketch; May, living in Carthage; and Fannie, the widow of T.
E. McCluskey, now living with her daughter, Mrs. E. D. Hart of Califor-
nia. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Dudley married Dr. R. L. Green
and to this union two children were born : Oscar, now living at Carthage ;
and Walter a resident of New Mexico. Mrs. Green is living in Chicago.
Colonel Boyd Dudley was born in Marion County, W. Va., near the
town of Reevesville, June 8, 1859. His father was a Confederate and his
mother's people were aligned on the Federal side during the Civil War
strife. Colonel Dudley attended the schools of West Virginia and later in
Daviess County until 1874, when he went to Gallatin to live with his uncle
Judge H. C. McDougal. He did the household chores, and took care of the
Judge's office in return for his board, clothing, and the privilege of going
to school. He completed what would now be the eighth grade, and then,
being without financial resources, he went to work in the office of the
probate judge as a clerk. In 1877 he began the study of law in the office
of Shanklin, Lowe and McDougal. In that office the young student per-
formed all the tasks that fell to the lot of law students of that day. He
swept the floor, washed the windows, chopped wood, made fires, did what
writing he could, and saw that the ink wells on the desks of the firm mem-
bers were never dry.
In 1880, Colonel Boyd Dudley, in company with George B. Rush
was admitted to the bar, and on the day of his admission he was
appointed by the court to act as the lawyer for the defense, a custom in
those days. The newly made barrister had what looked like a difficult
case. He was called upon to defend a negro, who had ripped open the
pocket of a drunken laborer, while the laborer lay asleep in the woods north
of Gallatin. The negro removed the money from the sleeping man's
pocket, and proceeded to spend it at the only saloon in the town. The case
of the state being complete, the negro was convicted and sentenced to two
years in the penitentiary. But his counsel was not satisfied to let his case
rest with an adverse decision. The word "feloniously" had been omitted
from the indictment and the charge stood as petit larceny. A motion to
quash was overrulled, but Colonel Dudley appealed the case to the Supreme
346 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Court at his own expense, got a stay of execution, obtained a reversal of
the case, and on retrial, the prisoner was discharged for want of evidence.
This is typical of Colonel Dudley's determination and tenacity.
Colonel Dudley spent two years in New Mexico and Arizona, but the
lure of the Grand River Valley was strong, and he returned to Gallatin in
1884. For several years he was engaged in the abstract and loan busi-
ness at Gallatin, and for a time he was the secretary and manager of the
local Building and Loan Association. He later became the president of the
State League of Local Building and Loan Associations. He was the
author of the first law relating to the supervision and control of local build-
ing and loan associations by the state of Missouri, and the passing of the
law was due largely to Colonel Dudley's untiring efforts. At one time he
was a member of the Republican State Central Committee of Missoui'i, and
during the Spanish-American War, he acted as the president of the Mis-
souri State League of Republican Clubs, and during the days of the Span-
ish-American War, he tendered his services to President McKinley, offering
to raise a regiment for service in the war.
Colonel Dudley has spent a life filled with vital experiences. In his
early life he was associated with the late Milt Ewing in business affairs.
Later he was a friend of John F. Jordan, for many years the editor of the
Jamesport Gazette, and later connected with the loan and abstract business
at Gallatin. Colonel Dudley's first law partner was W. D. Hamilton, a man
who had studied law with Senator George Vest. This partnership, form-
ed about the time of the trial of the famous James brothers, continued until
the death of Mr. Hamilton in 1913. Coloned Dudley then became a part-
ner in the firm of Dudley and Selby. This partnership was dissolved on
Jan. 1, 1921, and Colonel Dudley now has his son-in-law, Charles D. Bran-
dom, as partner in the office.
Colonel Dudley was married to Anna Chapdu, a sister of Mrs. H. C.
McDougal, and to this union one child was born. The child died in infancy,
and shortly after Mrs. Dudley died. On June 9, 1896, Colonel Dudley mar-
ried Belle J. Holmes of Hamilton, the daughter of B. F. and Julia (Gee)
Holmes. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes were natives of New York, and were early
settlers of Caldwell County, Mo., where they lived on a fami. They are
both now dead. Mrs. Dudley is a granddaughter of Benjamin Tillinghast
of New York, and is a lineal descendant of Captain Miles Standish of the
Mayflower. By this last marriage Colonel Dudley has two children: Boyd,
Jr., a sketch of whose life follows; and Katherine, who was a student at
Central College at Lexington for a year, and who later attended Randolph
Macon College at Lynchburg, Va., and the State University of Missouri,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 347
and is now married to Charies D. Brandom of Gallatin. She is a member
of the Theta Upsilon Gamma and the Pi Beta Phi sororities, Regent of the
Gallatin Chapter of the D. A. R., a member of the Mayflower Society and
is State Recording Secretary of the Colonial Dames of the Seventeenth
Century.
Colonel Dudley has never sought office. He has served as t^p nvesi-
dent of the Board of Education, and as the president of the Board of Con-
trol for the State Industrial School for Girls at Chillicothe. He is a mem-
ber of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and the Woodmen of the World lodges. His father was an
Episcopalian, his mother a Methodist, and Colonel Dudley identified him-
self with the Presbyterian church. Several years ago, however, during a
church trial of intense community interest. Colonel Dudley led the counsel
for the reactionaries on the subject of the use of the organ in church.
Since that time, he has insisted in a joking way that he leans toward "the
fundamental apostolic faith." He takes an intense and active interest in
all public questions, and maintains his membership in the Missouri Histor-
ical Society and in the Society of the American Academy of Social Science.
He is a man of ready and keen perceptions, an alert mind, wide in his
sympathies, and a citizen of the highest civic pride.
Boyd Dudley, Jr., was reared in Gallatin, where he graduated from
the high school. He became a student in the Missouri State University
School of Mines at Rolla, and completed the four year course there in
three years. After his graduation he became the assistant instructor in
metallurgy at Rolla, and remained in that position for three years. At the
end of that time he went to Boston, where he took the Master's Degree
from the Boston Institute of Technology. He then spent a summer at
Nashua, N. H., as superintendent of one of the plants of the John-Man-
ville Company. The next year he went to the University of Pennsylvania
as Assistant professor of metallurgy.
When the United States entered the Worid War, Mr. Dudley at once
went into active service with the rank of captain in the Ordinance Depart-
ment. During the early part of the war his work was the organization
of the Inspection Division of Factories in New York and Pennsylvania in
connection with making munitions. He was later transferred to what was
known as "Waterveleit Arsenal" on the Hudson River near Albany. There
he was made the superintendent of heavy artillery, in charge of the depart-
ment that made the eight inch field Howitzers. Shortly aftrw^ards, Mr.
Dudley was promoted to the rank of major, and was transferred to the
Sea Coast Division. He was made Superintendent of the Sea Coast Artil-
lery, and was in charge of the manufacturing of the great 16 inch
348 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
calibre guns used in coast defense. Major Dudley held this position as a
civilian for a year after he was discharged from the army.
Major Dudley was married at Gallatin while he was teaching in Rolla,
to Madge Netherton. Mrs. Dudley is a daughter of James N. Netherton,
a former resident of Gallatin, and county clerk of Daviess County for a
number of years. Major and Mrs. Dudley have two children, Boyd Dudley,
III, and William, and now live in Syracuse, N. Y., where he is in charge
of the plant of the American Piano Company. He is a man of marked
ability, whose unusual degree of successful achievement is due to his innate
capacity, his excellent training, and his determination. He is an able
member of his family, which has stood for order and progress for nine gen-
erations in the United States.
John N. Brown, a member of the firm of Musselman and Brown
Hardware Company, and the city clerk of Gallatin, was born in Salem
Township in this county on Feb. 8, 1874. His parents were Napoleon B.,
and Sarah J. (Harbard) Brown.
Napoleon B. Brown was bom in Virginia, June 6, 1833. He came to
Daviess County with his parents in 1853. They settled near Pattons-
burg, where Napoleon Brown became the holder of 400 acres of land.
He operated this land successfully until his retirement from the active
work on the farm. He moved to Gallatin in 1886, when he was elected
to the othce of treasurer of Daviess County. He took the office in 1887,
and held it for the next eight years, making a reliable and highly re-
spected official. He was a Democrat.. Mr. Brown was an extensive
stock dealer, buying and selling stock all over the northwest part of the
state. Long before the railroads ran through this part of Missouri, Mr.
Brown would drive his stock to the docks of the Missouri River for ship-
ment. He was one of the first group of directors of the Farmers Ex-
change Bank of Gallatin, and in 1902 was elected judge of the county
court, which office he held until his death on May 26, 1903. He was a
man of great versatility and of marked intellectual ability. He had only
a common school education, but his life was a success. He was a veteran
of the Civil War, in which he serv^ed as a captain in the Missouri State
Militia.
In 1859 Napoleon Brown w'as married to Sarah J. Harbard, born
near Heyworth, 111., in 1843. To this union the following children were
born: Mary C, the widow of W. Carpenter of Salem Township; Anna
E., the widow of George Keown of Liberal, Kan.; Alice, the wife of A.
L. McNeely of Washington Township ; Lucy, married to E. O. DeVoss of
Hutchinson, Kan. ; Josephine B., the wife of J. K. Kitch, of Guymon,
Okla.; John N., the subject of this review; Charles E., a resident of
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 349
Hutchinson, Kan.; Ross M., also living at Hutchinson, Kan.; Dollie I.,
now the wife of C. Duclon, of Hutchinson, Kan. ; and G. C, who was the
third child born, and now lives in Calif. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were both
members of the Christian Church. Mrs. Brown died on Sept. 9, 1917,
and the remains of both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are buried in Brown Ceme-
tery at Gallatin.
John N. Brown grew up on the farm and attended the public schools
of Coffey and Gallatin. In 1890 he went to Liberal, Kan.; where he en-
gaged in the lumber and hardware business for the next 22 years. In
1912 he returned to Gallatin, and in June, 1921, he entered into partner-
ship with John Musselman in the hardware business. This is one of the
well established commercial enterprises of Gallatin, and the firm con-
ducts a good business.
Mr. Brown was married in 1896 and to this one daughter was born:
Maretta, M., born in 1900, and married in 1919 to George Carlson of San
Francisco, Calif.
Mr. Brown is a Democrat. He was elected to the office of city clerk
of Gallatin in 1920, and has made a competent official. He is a public
spirited citizen and holds the high regard of all who know him.
J. H. Tate, manager and salesman for the Ford automobiles and
Fordson tractors at Gallatin, has conducted the Ford Agency and garage
in partnership with D. C. McVay since March 22, 1917. Their present
building was completed on Aug. 1, 1920. The structure, built at a cost
of $50,000. is located a half block north of the Square on North Main St.,
and has a frontage of 130 feet with a .show room, two driveways, and a
storage room 90x120 feet. There is also a large basement. The building
is constructed of brick, is well ventilated, is equipped with a rest room
for ladies, and has windows reinforced with steel sashes. The show
room has a trass floor, and the repair shop, at the west side of the office,
has battery and welding service. Mr. Tate and his partner are to be
congratulated on their achievement of a modern and efficiently managed
garage.
J. H. Tate is a native of Grundy County; he was born on Nov. 20,
18S5, the son of C. L. and Nancy (Barberry) Tate. C. L. Tate was born
in Andrew County on Nov. 17, 1859, and has been a successful farmer
all of his life. To his union with Nancy (Barberry) Tate three children
were born of whom two are now living : J. H., the subject of this review ;
and Harley F., now a resident of Ft. Collins, Col. Mrs. Tate died in 1889
at the age of 24 years, and Mr. Tate later married Frances Harvey. To
this union two children were born: the older child is deceased; and the
350 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
younger, a daughter, Annie, is now married to Bernice Harris of Tren-
ton.
J. H. Tate attended the rural schools, and later was a student in the
Jamesport High School. He assisted his father on the farm until 1905,
when he began operating a farm for himself. He bought and improved
1100 acres of land in Grundy County, which he later sold, and in 1908
he moved to Trenton and became interested in the transfer business.
Two years later he bought a grocery stock in Trenton, and conducted a
gi'ocery store for the next two years. He then accepted a position with
the National Biscuit Company, and traveled out of St. Joseph until 1917.
That year he and D. C. McVay became interested in the automobile bus-
iness, in connection with which they conducted the Ford Agency at
Trenton, with Mr. McVay in charge. The plans of Mr. Tate and Mr.
McVay include the erection of a building at Trenton similar to the re-
cently completed structure at Gallatin.
J. H. Tate was married on March 5, 1905, to Hallie Mae Brown, a
native of Grundy County, the daughter of Elias and Laura (Pernell)
Brown. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown were bom in Missouri, and both are
now living on their farm, six miles south of Trenton. Mr. and Mrs. Tate
were the parents of three children: Jule, at home; Thelma, died in in-
fancy; and Hubert, at home.
Mr. Tate is a Democrat. He is an adherent of the Baptist Church,
and belongs to the Masonic Lodge. In 1921 he was elected the secretary
of the newly organized Chamber of Commerce at Gallatin and on April
4, 1922, Mr. Tate was elected Mayor of Gallatin. Mr. Tate is an ener-
getic and ambitious business man, and a citizen who holds the high re-
gard of the entire community.
Charles L. Knauer, is a well known business man of Gallatin, Da-
viess County. He is a native of Ohio, born in Springboro, an inland vil-
lage of Warren County, April 6, 1862.
Andrew Knauer, the father of Charles L. Knauer, was born in Ba-
varia, Germany, but left his native land when he was 19 years old, and
came to the United States. He located in New York City and worked at
his trade, that of a tailor, for eight years. Later he went to Springboro,
Ohio, arid operated a store. In 1866, he came to Gallatin and opened a
merchant tailor store, which he operated successfully until his death on
April 4, 1901. He was born on July 17, 1824, and most of his long life
was spent in the country of his adoption, where he readily adapted him-
self to the commercial conditions. As the founder of the mercantile en-
terprise which is now owned and conducted by his son, the subject of
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 351
this sketch. Andrew Knauer became an integral part of the town. He
was a man of sane, clear judgment, and succeeded in establishing an en-
terprise that would last over many years.
Andrew Knauer married Charlotte Elbert, born in Hesse, Darm-
stadt, Germany, and to this union seven children were born, three of
whom died in Ohio, and two died at Gallatin, Mo. C. L. Knauer was the
fourth child born to his parents. One sister, Mrs. Julia Drummond, now
lives in Gallatin. She is a widow. Mrs. Knauer died in 1896. Her re-
mains and those of her husband are buried in Lile Cemetery. They were
excellent members of the community. Mr. Knauer took part in the town
affairs and served on the city council. He was a Democrat, and was a
charter member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodge.
Charles L. Knauer was four years old when his parents came to
Daviess County. He attended the school at Gallatin, and worked for
and with his father in the store, where he learned the trade of a tailor
under the tutelage of his father. In 1883 he was made a partner in the
store, and in 1901 he became the sole owner of the business; however,
he continues to operate under the old firm name of A. Knauer and Son.
Mr. Knauer carries a complete line of men's ready made clothing, han-
dling the Clothcraft and Block Company garments and gents furnish-
ings. He also carries samples for tailor made clothing, and an excellent
line of shoes.
Mr. Knauer was married on Oct. 16, 1888, to Carrie A. Haynes,
born in Lebanon, Tenn., the daughter of J. L. Haynes. Mr. Haynes lived
at Gallatin for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Knauer have two chil-
dren : Harry L., an assistant in his father's store ; and Elizabeth, at home.
Mr. Knauer is a Democrat and is a member of the Presbyterian
Church in which he has been the Sunday School Superintendent for 33
years. He is the president of the Y. M. C. A., which position he has held
for 30 years. Mr. Knauer gave the lot where the new Y. M. C. A. build-
ing now stands, and has been a member of the State Committee of the
Y. M. C. A. In 1890 he was elected to membership in the city council and
served for two terms. In April, 1921, he was again elected to the coun-
cil, and was a member of the Board of Education for many years, acting
as treasurer for that body. In 1921 Mr. Knauer became the vice presi-
dent of the Gallatin Trust Company, in which capacity he is still serv-
ing. By inheritance, training, and natural ability, Mr. Knauer is a pro-
gressive and wide-awake business man. His high ideals for the develop-
ment of the community may be seen from his active participation in the
work of the Y. M. C. A. He is one of the far sighted and excellent citi-
zens of Gallatin.
352 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Hon. Alexander M. Dockery. — There has hardly been a man, woman
or child in northwest Missouri who has not been familiar by constant repi-
tion with the name of Alexander M. Dockery, whose career of public ser-
vice has kept him almost constantly active in district, state and national
affairs through an entire generation. For 16 years, Mr. Dockery repre-
sented the Third District in Congress, and during the Democratic Adminis-
tration of President Wilson held the post of third assistant postmaster
general.
His active public service has obscured the fact, except in his home
town of Gallatin and among his more intimate friends, that Mr. Dockery
began his career as a physician, and besides several other degrees is en-
titled to the letters, M. D.
Governor Dockery, as he is known to all his friends, was born in
Daviess County, Feb. 11, 1845. His parents were Rev. Willis E. and
Sarah E. (McHaney) Dockery, his father having been a distinguished
minister of the Methodist Episcopal church. South. Mr. Dockery, who is
the only survivor of three children was educated in Macon Academy, Macon,
Mo., and in 1863 entered the St. Louis Medical College, and was graduated
in March, 1865, with the degree of M. D. He later attended lectures at
Bellevue College in New York, and the Jeiferson Medical College at Phila-
delphia and began his first practice at Linneus, Mo., and from 1867 to
1874 practiced at Chillicothe. He was recognized as a skillful physician.
In March, 1874, having abandoned the medical practice, for other lines
of endeavor, Mr. Dockery removed to Gallatin and became associated with
Thomas B. Yates in the establishment of the Farmers Exchange Bank,
an institution which has had a solid career for nearly 50 years. He served
as its cashier until 1882. Prior to his election to Congress, Mr. Dockery
served as County Physician of Livingston County from 1870 to 1874, was
president of the Board of Education at Chillicothe in 1870-72, was a mem-
ber of the board of curators of the University of Missouri from 1872 to
1882, and at Gallatin was a member of the city council 1878-81, and mayor
during 1881-83.
From 1878 until his election to Congress Mr. Dockery was chairman of
the Democratic Congressional Committee of the Tenth District, 1880 was
chairman of the Congressional Convention at Brunswick, and in 1882, at
the conveniton at Cameron was nominated for representative in Congress.
Altogether there were six men in the field for the nomination, and it was
one of the most exciting conventions held in that district for many years.
The deciding ballot was the 28th. The opposition had been unable to unite,
since Mr. Dockery was the second choice in all the counties. His election
from the Third District came in November, 1882, and he continued as
HON. Ai.KX.\Niii:i; m i •"•i<i-:i:y
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 353
representative in Congress from Marcii 4, 1883, to March 4, 1899. In the
successive conventions Mr. Dockery was renominated without opposition.
During his career in Congress Mr. Dockery was a member of the Committee
on Claims, Committee on Accounts, Committee on Post Offices and Post
Roads four years, and for the last ten years of his service in the house was
a member of the Committe on Appropriations and had charge of the Dis-
trict of Columbia and the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Appropria-
tion bills. From 1893 to 1895 he was chairman of what is known as the
"Dockery Commission," which, among other notable achievements, de-
vised the present accounting system of the national treasury. This system
has been in successful operation since Oct. 1, 1894. During the World
Fair at Chicago, he was chairman of a special committee appointed by the
House to investigate and simplify methods of business. This committee's
elaborate report served as a basis for the work of organization of the
Louisana Purchase Exposition at St. Louis. While a member of the Com-
mittee on Post Offices and Post Roads, Mr. Dockery was instrumental in
securing the installation of the second fast mail train service in the United
States, from New York to Kansas City by way of St. Louis. In 1886, Mr.
Dockery was chosen permanent chairman of the Democratic State Con-
vention at St. Louis.
At the conclusion of the eighth term Mr. Dockery declined a renom-
ination in order to enter the race for governor in 1900. He was nominated
by acclamation in June of that year, the nomination speech being made
by Hon. W. S. Cowherd of Kansas City. In the following November he was
elected Governor of Missouri against his opponent, Joseph Flory, of Mo-
berly. Taking his oath as governor, Jan 14, 1901, Mr. Dockery was chief
executive of his native state four years. After retiring from the gover-
nor's chair in 1905 he continued active in Democratic politics, being chair-
man of the state convention in 1906, and in 1912 was elected treasurer of
the Democratic State Committee and reelected in 1914. At the begin-
ning of President Wilson's administration, Mr. Dockery was appointed
Third Assistant Postmaster General, his appointment being confirmed by
the Senate, March 13, 1913, and he entered upon his duties March 17th.
As Third Assistant Postmaster General he had supervision and control of
all the extensive fiscal affairs of the postal service, including the postal
saving system.
In 1906 Governor Dockery was awarded the degree of LL. D. by the
University of Missouri. In the interval between his term as governor
and his recent promotion to the Postoffice Department, Governor Dockery
proved himself a citizen of force and influence in his home city of Gallatin.
He served as a member and president of the board of education from 1906
354 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
to 1912, was president of the Gallatin Commercial Club from its organiza-
tion in 1908 to 1914, and was president of the Daviess County Chautauqua
Association since its organization in 1909. He was also chairman of the
building committee which supervised construction of the new court house,
and of the committee which supervised construction of the new Gallatin
school house. Of his local activities, Governor Dockery probably takes
most pride in his work as ex-officio road overseer in his county, a service
which he has performed gratuitously but none the less effectively at var-
ious times during the past 30 years.
Governor Dockery was married April 14, 1869, to Miss Mary E. Bird,
daughter of Greenup Bird. All of the seven children of their marriage
died in infancy. His wife died at the Executive Mansion, Jefferson City,
January, 1903.
Governor Dockery has some interesting fraternal relations. In 1880
he was elected Eminent Commander of Kadosh Commandery No. 21,
Knights Templar, at Cameron ; in 1881 was elected Grand Master of Mis-
souri Masons; in May 1883, was chosen Grand High Priest of the Royal
Arch Masons of Missouri, and since 1886 he has been a member of the
Board of Directors of the Masonic Home of Missouri, being chairman of the
Executive Committee the greater part of the time. In May, 1910, he was
elected Grand Master of the Missouri Odd Fellows, and this gives him the
unusual distinction of being the only person in the state who has been
Grand Master of both Missouri Masons and Missouri Odd Fellows. Begin-
ning May, 1909. he served 12 years as president of the Odd Fellows Home
Board at Liberty.
Governor Dockery has been a liberal contributor and supporter to the
cause of the Y. M. C. A., and is now serving as a director. In July, 1906,
Mr. Dockery donated the original land for the City Park which is now
known as "Dockery Park," which now contains 14 acres, located in the
northeast part of Gallatin. The Governor is very proud of his work in
building up and beautifying this park, which is a valuable asset to the city.
He has been president of the Park Board since its organization.
The people of Missouri have honored Governor Dockery with their con-
fidence and respect, and have found him worthy. They have trusted in his
honesty and integrity, and have always found him true.
W. Glen Smith, a partner in the granite and marble works of Galla-
tin, is a native of Daviess County, born in Jackson Township, Oct. 29,
1881. His parents were Burns R. and Susan Estella (Sharon) Smith.
Burns R. Smith was born at Watertown, N. Y., Sept. 8, 1844, and
was reared on a farm. In 1861 he moved to Fountain County, Indiana,
where he enlisted for service in the Civil War in Company I, 150th Vol-
ii
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 355
unteer Infantry. He served until the close of the war, and went back to
Indiana and married Susan Estella Sharon, born in Indiana, April 14,
1847. In 1879 they came to Daviess County, and bought a farm in Jack-
son Township. Mr. Smith improved the land, and became a well known
man in the community. He was a Republican, and a member of the
Grand Army of the Republic. He was a very active adherent of the Bap-
tist Church, and helped to organize that denomination in the county.
He was one of the promoters of the Daviess County Sunday School As-
sociation, and served as the president of that body for many years. Mr.
Smith died at his home on April 4, 1915, and his remains are buried in
Brown Cemetery. His widow now lives at Gallatin. Their children
were: Myrta E., now the wife of Samuel Nichols of Jackson Township;
and W. Glen, the subject of this sketch.
W. Glen Smith was reared on the farm, where he remained until
he was 22 years old. He attended the public school of Gallatin, and in
1900 he graduated from River College. In 1899 he taught in what is
known as the Red School in Lincoln Township. He continued to teach
and farm for three years. He then became interested in the grocery bus-
iness at Gallatin, but sold his interest in that enterprise in 1913, and en-
tered the monument business with E. R. Achuff. This business is located
on the north side of the Square, where the same business has been con-
ducted for 45 consecutive years. Mr. Achuff and Mr. Smith employ four
assistants, two of them first class cutters. The business has grown
greatly. This is the only marble and granite shop in Daviess County ; a
wide range of territory is therefore handled through this shop.
W. Glen Smith was married on Feb. 21, 1904, to lola Hale, daugh-
ter of A. B. and Katherine (Adams) Hale, both descendants of pioneer
families in Clinton County. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hale were born in Clin-
ton County, as was their daughter, Mrs. Smith. They now live on a farm
in Clinton County. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Mabel. Mrs.
Smith was a prominent teacher in Daviess County before her marriage.
Mr. Smith is a Republican, and is identified with the Baptist
Church. He is the Sunday School Superintendent of that church. He is
a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and the Yoeman Lodges. He was elected to the
office of police judge of Gallatin on the Independent ticket, and when
the Gallatin Commercial Club was reorganized in 1921, Mr. Smith was
made the president. His work in connection with monuments has pro-
vided him with much valuable data on family lineages in the county. Mr.
Smith is an energetic and ambitious man, a citizen who is an asset to the
community, and a man held in high esteem.
356 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Dr. M. A. Smith, a physician and surgeon of Gallatin, is well known
throughout the community, both as a successful man in his profession,
and as a veteran of the World War. Dr. Smith was one of the men who
renounced his practice at home and gave his services to the country dur-
ing the time of need. The names of such men will always be held in high
esteem, and it is fitting that due tribute be paid to them in this work.
The Smith family were originally of Virginia stock. They came to
Missouri in the early pioneer days, and settled in Clay County, later mov-
ing to De Kalb County. I. V. Smith, father of Dr. Smith, was born in De
Kalb County, Dec. 26, 1842. He farmed during his youth, enlisted for
service in the Conferedate Army during the Civil War, and served in
Company E, 3rd Missouri. He was severely wounded at the Battle of
Vicksburg. He returned to De Kalb County, and taught school for a
while. He was serving as the county judge of De Kalb County, when he
decided to move to Nebraska. In 1872 he located at Bloomington, Neb.,
and in 1874 he went to a farm in Franklin County, Neb. At various times
during his life, Mr. Smith conducted a hardware store, ran a grain ele-
vator, and for 15 years, he bought grain at Bloomington, Neb.
Mr. Smith married Tibitha J. Ashby, born on Jan. 3, 1854, near
Edinburg, Mo. To this union six children were born, four of whom are
now living. Mr. and Mrs. Smith came to Gallatin several years ago, and
Mrs. Smith died there in 1910. She was a member of the Methodist
Church, South, as is her husband. Mr. Smith now makes his home with
his son. Dr. Smith.
Dr. Smith, the fourth child born to his parents, was born in Frank-
lin County, Neb., Oct. 16, 1877. He was reared in Nebraska and at-
tended the Bloomington High School from which he graduated in 1897.
In 1898 he entered Central Medical College at St. Joseph, and graduated
from that institution with the degree of Doctor of Medicine on March 1,
1900. He served as intern in the St. Joseph's Hospital during the year
1899-1900. In 1900 Dr. Smith located at Gallatin, and at once estab-
lished an excellent practice in his profession. He acted as both the citv
and the county physician from 1901 to 1905. During the year 1903 he
took a post graduate course in his work in Chicago, 111.; and in 1909 he
took post graduate work in New York City.
In June, 1916, Dr. Smith was commissioned first lieutenant. Medi-
cal Reserve Corps, and was called into service on Sept. 15, 1917. He re-
ported at Officers Training Camp at Fort Riley, Kan., and remained in
training until December, 1917. He was placed on temporary duty at
the Headquarters Base Hospital at Fort Riley until February, 1918,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 357
when he was assigned permanently to Evacuation Hospital No. 16, and
commissioned a captain. Dr. Smith was instrumental in perfecting the
organization of that hospital. His work was arduous, as, in addition to
acting as the adjutant, he found it necessary to do also the work of a
quarter master. He was relieved from the duty of those two positions
at his own request, since his desire was to work overseas as a medical
officer. After a short stop at Camp Meade, Md., the hospital force em-
barked on Aug. 28, 1918, and arrived at Brest Sept. 7, 1918. After a
period of preliminary training, the force was sent to the Ai-gonne Sec-
tor, landing at the hospital center near Neuf Chateau. Dr. Smith was
sent back to the United States Central Laboratory at Dijon for special
instruction.
From Dijon Dr. Smith returned to duty with Evacuation Hospital,
No. 16, and also with Base Hospital, No. 18. He remained with this hos-
pital throughout the Argonne offensive, and was in that sector until Feb-
ruary, 1919, when he was sent to the Army of Occupation. He served
at Trieves and Coblenz, after April 1st, was in charge of the United
States Hospital at Eherinbretestein. Dr. Smith left Coblenz, on June 14,
1919, and arrived in the United States on July 5. He was discharged
from service at Camp Dix, N. J., on July 7, arrived at his home on July
10, 1919, and at once resumed his practice at Gallatin.
Dr. Smith was married, Oct. 20, 1903, to Anna E. Fulkerson, born
near Trenton, the daughter of P. G. and Eliza (Carnes) Fulkerson. Mr.
and Mrs. Fulkerson were both born in Grundy County. Dr. and Mrs.
Smith had one son, Marshall A., now living at home. Mrs. Smith died,
Feb. 6, 1908, at the age of 26 years. On Oct. 28, 1915, Dr. Smith was
married to Jessie B. McCue. She was born near Gallatin, the daughter
of R. M. and Elizabeth (Rodgers) McCue. Mr. and Mrs. McCue now live
at Gallatin. To the union of Dr. and Jessie B. (McCue) Smith two chil-
dren have been born : Elizabeth Jane, and Mary Margaret.
Dr. Smith is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist Church.
He belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Royal Arch,
Chapter, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Modern Wood-
men of American Lodges. He assisted in the organization of the Ameri-
can Legion, Post Wallace McAfee, No. 68, at Gallatin, and acted as the
post commander for two years. He maintains membership in the Da-
viess County, the Missouri State and the American Medical Associations.
For the past 20 years he has acted as the secretary of the Daviess County
Medical Association, and in 1908 he was elected vice-president of the
Missouri State Medical Association.
358 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Dr. Smith is a progressive man in his profession, a citizen of great
public spirit, and a man known to his community for his high ideals of
civic pride and public service.
C. J. Stout, a business man of Gallatin, is a native of the town. He
was born on April 5, 1889, the son of J. D. and Jennie (Brooks) Stout.
J. D. Stout was born, Nov. 7, 1854, in Green County, Illinois. His
father, W. W. Stout, was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Pittsburg in
1826. He was a school teacher, and came to Daviess County in 1860. He
was educated in Springfield, HI. He located in Colfax Township in Da-
viess County, and became a farmer, teaching school through the winter.
In 1882 he was elected to the ol!ice of assessor of Daviess County on the
Democratic ticket. Two years prior to that time he had been elected the
county superintendent of public schools. He was a leader in the school
work of the county, and did much to develop the educational possibili-
ties of Daviess County. He married Martha E. Short, a native of Green
County, Illinois, born in 1836. To this union six children were born, of
whom three are still living: Hugh H., a carpenter at Gallatin; C. A.,. liv-
ing in Kansas City; and J. D., of Gallatin. W. W. Stout died on Jan. 11,
1884. His remains and those of the children, who are deceased, are
buried in Black Cemetery near Winston. Mrs. Stout died in August,
1919, and her remains are buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin.
J. D. Stout was reared near Gallatin on a farm. In 1871 he attended
school at Gallatin and graduated there in 1875. The next year he taught
school in Daviess County, and then went back to Illinois, where he taught
for a year. He returned to Gallatin in 1879, and in 1886 he began work
as a clerk in a general merchandise store. He retained that same posi-
tion for 12 years, and at the end of that time, accepted a clerkship with
the Etter Store Company. He worked with that firm for 15 years, and in
1917 began clerking in the shoe department of the Knauer and Son
Clothing Store. He was married in Illinois on Oct. 23, 1879, to Jennie
Brooks, who was born on Jan. 24, 1861.
J. D. Stout is an affable and efficient clerk, and a man well liked in
the community. He recalls the trying early days in the county very
vividly. Among his interesting reminisinces is this stor>^ He was sent
by his father to get a load of wood from the timber. The wagon was
loaded, and the small boy was driving the yoke of oxen very carefully.
But taking the downward slope of a hill the wagon upset, spilling off
both the wood and the boy. The oxen hastened out of the road into a
field, and it took the appearance of the father of the boy, to restore or-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 359
der. He found the oxen grazing peacefully some distance away, and a
much frightened boy sitting disconsolately in the road.
To the union of J. D. and Jennie (Brooks) Stout nine children were
born, all of whom are living. They are : Willa, the wife of T. J. Nether-
ton, a Baptist minister in Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Albert, living at Ochil-
tree, Tex.; Minnie, a resident of Ft. Dodge, Iowa; C. J., the subject of
this sketch ; Elsie, married to L. E. Lynch, of Gallatin ; Ruth, the wife of
T. O. Manion of Iowa; Kathryn, married to H. R. Galpin, of Gallatin;
Mildred, the wife of Roy Nichols of Gallatin; and Jewell, a student in
the Gallatin High School.
C. J. Stout grew up at Gallatin, and attended the Gallatin High
School. He worked at the watch-making trade at Liberty for two years,
and then apprenticed himself to David Herzog and learned the tailor's
trade. In the fall of 1912 he opened a shop at Gallatin. He carries a line
of tailoring material, and does cleaning and dyeing. Mr. Stout has built
up an excellent business in the years he has been at Gallatin, and his
shop is one of the popular places for his line of work.
On Nov. 8, 1890, Mr. Stout married Lena Winburn. She was born
on Nov. 8, 1890, in the south part of Daviess County, the daughter of J.
C. and Eliza (Finnell) Winburn. They were natives of Kentucky, and
early settlers of Daviess County. Mr. Winburn enlisted in the Federal
Army in Kentucky, while his brothers and other relatives fought on the
Confederate side. He died in Amoret, Mo., in 1920, at the age of 79
years. His widow now lives at Amoret.
C. J. Stout is a Democrat. He is a Thirty-Second Degree Mason, and
a member of the Shrine, Ararat Temple in Kansas City, Mo. He also be-
longs to the Gallatin Commercial Club. He served on the city council ot
Gallatin from 1919 to 1921, the period during which the automobile fire
truck was bought by the town. Mr. Stout is a man of enterprise and bus-
iness ability.
W. C. Link, a popular and successful dentist of Gallatin, is a native
Missourian. He was born on Jan. 22, 1885, at New Bloomfield, the son
of R. H. and Louise (Bryan) Link.
R. H. Link was born in Calloway County on August 1, 1856. His
parents were natives of New Bradford, Va., and were among the adven-
turous and courageous Southerners who came to Missouri when the land
was new. They made the long, hard trip by wagons, and took up land
in Missouri. Until quite recently, R. H. Link ow-ned the farm, where he
was born. He now lives on land seven miles away from the homestead.
His wife, Louise (Bryan) Link, was born in Kentucky, and is a distant
360 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
cousin to William J. Bryan. Mr. and Mrs. Link have six children, all liv-
ing.
W. C. Link was reared on his father's farm, and attended the pub-
lic school of New Bloomfield. In 1911 he entered the Dental College of
St. Louis University, and graduated in 1914. He located at Ashland for
a time, but later went to New Franklin. In 1917 he came to Gallatin
and located in the Farmers Exchange Bank Building. There has been a
dental office at his location for past 65 years. Dr. Link has established
an excellent practice. He makes a specialty of extracting teeth, and has
a wide practice in that line of his work.
Dr. Link is a Democrat in his political views. He is identified with
the Christian Church and belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons Lodge. He is an able man in his profession, a citizen of progres-
sive ideals and a man highly esteemed in the community of Gallatin and
the surrounding country.
Judge Oliver Otto Mettle, a well known attorney at Gallatin, since
1900, when he was admitted to the bar in Missouri, is a native of Gallatin.
He was born on Dec. 3, 1878, his parents being Jacob and Catherine (Berg)
Mettle.
Jacob Mettle was born in Germany at Hesse in Hamburg, Aug. 12,
1845, and was brought to the United States in his infancy by his parents,
who settled in Frankiln County, Ohio. In 1863 Jacob Mettle came to Har-
rison, Ohio, and learned the shoemaker's trade, and in 1866 he moved to
Cincinnati, Ohio, and worked at his trade until 1872. That year he came
to Gallatin. He worked in Amos Foe's shop until 1875, when he opened a
business for himself. He afterwards moved to a farm, which he operated
during the last 13 years of his life. Jacob Mettle married Catherine Berg,
born in Frankiln County, Ind., Aug. 12, 1869, and to their union the follow-
ing children were born: Edward,. born in Cincinnati, Ohio, now living at
Gallatin; an infant, deceased; Minnie L., the wife of E. D. Fitzgerald of
Manhattan, Kans. ; Oliver 0., the subject of this review; J. Fred, now a res-
ident of Oklahoma City, Okla. ; Harry H., a painter at Gallatin ; Addie E.,
married Everett Keck, a farmer in Liberty Township, Daviess County ; and
Omer L., of New Castle, Wyo., a veteran of the World War. He enlisted
at Kansas City, was sent to Jefferson Barracks, and later to two other
camps in the south. He was sent overseas as a motor mechanic in the
air service, and was in Europe when the armistice was signed.
Jacob Mettle died on his farm on March 5, 1917, and his widow now
lives with her daughter, Mrs. Keck. Jacob Mettle was a man of indomi-
nable perserverance. He suffered many reverses during his life, but was
OI-IVKK <l. MKTTl K
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 361
successful in spite of them. While he was in business on the east side of the
square, the building and his stock burned. Mr. Mettle had no insurance,
but with sturdy pluck, he started out again. He made boots for many of
the old settlers around Gallatin. He took the raw leather, and constructed
the boots or shoes from it. He had no educational advantages, but he
possessed the natural ability that made it impossible for him to fail. He
was of the true stalwart, courageous type. His remains are buried in the
old Brown Cemetery. He was a Republican in his political views, and was
a member of the Lutheran church.
OHver 0. Mettle was reared in Gallatin and attended the public school
there. He studied law for four years in the office of Hicklin & Hicklin,
and was admitted to the bar in Missouri in 1900. He at once began the
practice of his profession at Gallatin. He served as the city attorney dur-
ing the years 1916 and 1917 under Mayor Penn Love, and is now acting in
the same capacity under Mayor Musselman. In 1918 Oliver 0. Mettle was
elected to the office of probate judge for a term of four years, and at present
holds that office.
Judge Mettle was married June 12, 1900, to Flora B. Toler, born in
Delevan, Minn., and reared in London Mills, 111. She was the daughter of
W. A. and Hester (Farrell) Toler, natives of Ohio. Her father was a well
known merchant in his town. Both of her parents are now dead. Judge
and Mrs. Mettle were the parents of six children : Angelo, deceased ; Oliver
0., Jr. ; Dorothy D. ; Robert D. ; Harold A. ; and an infant, deceased. All of
the children are at home.
Mrs. Mettle holds the position of probate clerk in her husband's office.
Judge Mettle is a man who is highly esteemed in the community. He is
a reliable and substantial citizen of Gallatin.
G. G. Murray, a registered pharmacist, and the owner and proprie-
tor of the Murray Drug Company at Gallatin, is a native Missourian. He
was born at Jamesport, Sept. 20, 1878, the son of Michael and E'lla
(Barnes) Murray.
Michael Murray was born in County Mayo, Ireland, Nov. 18, 18b9.
His parents were John and Rose (Monahan) Murray. They migrated to
Canada, bringing their son, Michael with them, in 1840. They located at
Quebec, but two years later moved to Belmont County, Ohio. Michael
Murray was educated in the Catholic College at Wheeling, W. Va., then
worked as a farm hand until June, 1861, when he enlisted for service in
the Civil War. He was placed in Company A, 25th Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, and participated in the following battles and engagements; Mt.
Summit, Va., Sept. 12, 1861; Greenbrier, Oct. 3; Alleghaney, Dec. 13;
362 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
McDowell, May 8, 1862; Cross Keys, June 9; Slaughter Net, Aug. 9;
Second Battle of Bull Run, Aug. 29; Chantilly, Sept. 1; Fredericksburg,
Dec. 13; Gettysburg, July 2, 1862; the engagement at Strasburg, Va.,
June 1, 1861; at Woodstock the next day; and that same month at Ft.
Jackson, and at Harrisburg, Va., where the famous Confederate cavalry
commander, Ashby, was killed.
During the Battle of Gettysburg, Michael Murray was wounded,
and was taken to the hospital at Germantown, Pa., where he remained
for two months. In June, 1862, he was made the second lieutenant of
his company, and in February, 1864, was promoted to the position of
first lieutenant. In November, 1864, he was again promoted to the posi-
tion of captain of Company E of the same regiment. During September,
1864, he was engaged in the assault on Ft. Wagner on Morris Island off
Charleston, S. Car., and was in the seige of Sumpter, crossing Ashley
River, and the taking possession of the town on Feb. 17, 1865. The last
battle in which Mr. Murray took part was that at Red Hill, S. Car.,
April 25, 1865. There his regiment received notice of General Lee's sur-
render, and was ordered to occupy Charleston until June, 1866. Mr.
Murray was mustered out of service that same month at Columbus, Ohio,
after a period of active service of five years and some months.
In 1866 Mr. Murray invested in mining property in Christian and
Berry Counties, Missouri, but three months later, he returned to Wash-
ington, Ohio. He became interested in a mercantile business there, and
conducted it until December. 1867, when he came back to Missouri, and
entered the drug business at Jamesport on Jan. 1, 1868. He sold that
business in 1872, and entered the general mercantile business in the
same town. He operated the enterprise successfully for several years.
In August, 1880, he bought 15 acres of land and engaged in farming and
fruit growing, raising apples, peaches, plums, and cherries.
Michael Murray was married in Grundy County on May 2, 1869, to
Lydia E. Barnes. She was born in Monroe County, Ohio, Jan. 9, 1849.
To this union five children were born: E. C, a salesman at St. Louis; J.
B.. died on March 30, 1918, at Silver City, N. M., and his remains are
buried at Jamesport, Mo. ; Olive, the wife of A. R. Alexander, the post-
master at Plattsburg; G. G., the subject of this sketch ; and Lenore, mar-
ried to S. E. Arnold, a farmer at Jamesport. Michael Murray was a
staunch Republican. He was a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and the Masonic Lodges at Gallatin. He died on April 24,
1919, and his remains are buried at Jamesport. His widow continues to
live on the home place at Jamesport.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 363
G. G. Murray was reared at Jamesport, and graduated from the
public school there. He became a salesman for the Armour Packing
Company, working out of Kansas City, Mo. Later he accepted a position
with the J. H. Hood Company and worked out of Louisville, Ky. In 1900
he located at Jamesport, and conducted a drug business there until
1908. That year he consolidated his business with the Dr. 0. F. Clag-
gett Drug Company at Jamesport, and the two partners conducted the
new business together for a year. In 1909 they bought a drug store at
Gallatin, retaining the ownership of the store at Jamesport for a time.
They later disposed of the Jamesport store. In 1913 Mr. Murray bought
Dr. Claggett's interest in the Gallatin store, and it is now conducted
under the title, Murray Drug Company. It is one of the thriving stores
of the community.
G. G. Murray was married on Oct. 21, 1913, to Bess Carter, a native
of Warrensburg. She graduated from the Central Missouri State Teach-
ers College at Warrensburg, and taught Latin in the Gallatin High
School for the two years prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Murray
have one child, Madeline.
Mr. Murray is a Republican, and is a member of the Masons, the
Elks, and the Yeoman Lodges. Mr. Murray is one of the alert and pro-
gressive business men of the county. He is a man highly esteemed in his
community.
During the World War Mr. Murray's services as County Chairman
of The Liberty Loan Organization for the Third and Fourth Loans were
such as to make him the recipient of highly complimentary personal let-
ters from Hon. W. G. McAdoo, United States Treasurer, as well as from
the State Chairman. Neglecting his private business and at considerable
sacrifice, he devoted several months to this work and so organized Da-
viess County that its citizens gave expression to their loyalty by going
over the top in these loan campaigns in a manner not surpassed by any
county in the state.
A. F. Seller, the superintendent and secretary of the Knauer and
Seller Rock Company, and the owner and operater of a plumbing shop
at Gallatin, Daviess County, was born at Boonville, Aug. 26, 1868. His
parents were Alois and Anna Seller.
Alois Seller was born in the Alps in Switzerland. He worked at the
trade of a weaver in his native land, and after coming to the United
States, worked at various occupations. Shortly after the close of the
Civil War, he located at Boonville, Mo. He later returned to Switzerland
taking with him his son, A. F. Seller, who was ill. The boy received
364 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
treatment at the hands of a Swiss physician, and after his recovery, was
brought back to Missouri, by his father. In 1886 the father went back to
his native land and died there. His wife died when her son, A. F., was
nine years old. After the death of his parents, A. F. Seiler began to
shift for himself.
He worked on a farm owned by John Wessing in Cooper County.
In return for such work as he did, he was given his board and clothes,
and was allowed to attend the district school for three months of each
year. The school building was a log cabin, and Mr. Seiler recalls the
fact that for a part of the time, the only member of his class besides him-
self, was a little girl. He remained with Mr. Wessing for four years, and
then worked as a farm hand for five years. In 1884 he went to Boon-
ville, where he worked for three years and a month as an apprentice
learning the tinning and plumbing trade. The hours were long in those
days. Work began in the morning at five o'clock, and frequently con-
tinued until 11 o'clock at night. The first year, Mr. Seiler received in
payment for his work, $25.00; the second year, $40.00; and the third
year, $60.00.
Mr. Seiler remained in Boonville until 1889, when he went to St.
Joseph, where he worked at his trade until 1896. That year he came to
Gallatin and opened a repair shop. He has established a thriving busi-
ness, owns property, and has recently become interested in the Knauer
and Seiler Rock Company.
A. F. Seiler was married the first time to Zettie Shephard in 1889.
To this union the following children were born : Harry, now living in
Kansas City, Mo.; Anna, the wife of J. O. Reed of Kansas City, Kan.;
Lillian, married to Frank A. Williams of Miami, Fla.; an infant, de-
ceased; and William M., a sketch of whose life is given in a later para-
graph. Mr. Seiler was married the second time on Dec. 4, 1915, to Grace
Lee Williams, a native of Missouri.
William M. Seiler was born on May 18, 1896, at St. Joseph, Mo. He
was a member of Company K, 3rd Missouri Militia, and was the corporal
of the company. He served on the Me.xican Border. When the regiment
enlisted for service during the World War, he was made sergeant of
Company K, 140th Infantry, 35th Division. The regiment went overseas,
and Sergeant Seiler was killed on Sept. 29, 1918, at Exermont in the Ar-
gonne Forest. His remains are buried in France. His name stands among
those of the honored dead of the state who gave their lives at the time
of the country's greatest need.
A. F. Seiler is a Democrat. He served as an alderman for two terms.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 365
He was the chief of the fire department for 20 years. He is a member of
the Presbyterian Church, and belongs to the following lodges: the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, the Woodmen of the World, and the Yeoman. As a city official,
he was thoroughly competent, and efficient; as a citizen, he is interested
in all that pertains to civic welfare; and as a business man, he is ener-
getic and reliable.
Daniel M. Fisher, a minister in the Christian Church and the deputy
county recorder of Daviess County, has his home at Gallatin. He is a na-
tive of Ohio, where he was born on July 16, 1859, in Ross County, three
miles west of Bainbridge. His parents were Daniel and Mary A. (Dan-
nar) Fisher.
Daniel Fisher was born in Botetourt County, Virginia. He went to
Ohio when he was 21 years old, and operated a farm there until the out-
break of the Civil War. He enlisted for service in Company C, 176th
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and took part in many of the important bat-
tles of the war. He died while in service at Nashville, Tenn. He mar-
ried Mary A. Dannar, born in Gallia County, Ohio, in January, 1833.
Her parents were Michael and Sarah (Vance) Dannar, both natives of
North Carolina. Michael Dannar died in Ohio, and his widow died in
Daviess County. The Dannar family came to Daviess County before the
Civil War. Daniel Fisher's father, Jacob Fisher, was a native of Vir-
ginia, and died there. After his death, his widow, Eva (Moomaw)
Fisher, took her three children to Ohio, and in 1869, she came with her
son's widow, Mary A. (Dannar) Fisher, and her son's children to Mis-
souri. They settled in De Kalb County, where the grandmother died. In
1879 the remainder of the family came to Daviess County. Mary A.
(Dannar) Fisher died at Pattonsburg in 1904. She was the mother of
seven children, four of whom are still living. One son, David, lives in
Jefferson Township, Daviess County; and another is Daniel M., the sub-
ject of this sketch.
Daniel M. Fisher attended the Normal College at Stanberry, and
graduated from the commercial and teachers courses in 1879. He
taught for 15 consecutive years in the schools in Daviess County; and
for four years held the position of principal of the school at Pattonsburg.
He completed 20 years in the service of the schools by acting as principal
of the school at Altamont. In 1902, the postmaster at Altamont resigned,
and Mr. Fi.sher was tendered the position, which he accepted. He re-
mained in that position for 13 years, then took up insurance work, and
was made the justice of the peace at Altamont. In 1919 he came to Gal-
366 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
latin, and was appointed the deputy county recorder, which place he
has filled most acceptably ever since. He began preaching in 1915, and
has been the acting minister in De Kalb County, at Altamont, and in Da-
viess County, always with marked success.
Daniel M. Fisher was married to Sarah B. Deering, Dec. 24, 1876.
She was born in Daviess County, the daughter of J. R. and Samantha
(Stapp) Deering, both now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Deering came to Da-
viess County in the forties, and located on a farm in Marion Township.
Mrs. Fisher is the second oldest of the five children born to her parents,
four of whom are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have three daugh-
ters: Ora, H., the wife of Fred Robinson of Gallatin; LuVerne, married
to D. T. Browne, of Altamont; and Pauline, the wife of J. B. McKaskey,
of Altamont. Mr. Browne and Mr. McKaskey are partners in a mercan-
tile establishment at Altamont.
Mr. Fisher is a Republican, and is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, of which lodge he is the district deputy grand
master. He has been elected the representative to the Grand Lodge for
1922-1923. Mr. Fisher is an excellent citizen, a man of keen intelligence,
and one who holds the respect of the entire community.
Arthur M. Stephens, the capable and energetic manager of the
Farmers' Store at Gallatin, is well and favorably known throughout the
community. He has lived in and around Gallatin for years, and has been
connected with various mercantile enterprises in the county.
Mr. Stephens was born in Sangamon County, Illinois, March 26,
1876, the son of Sanford E. and Fannie (Ficklin) Stephens. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Stephens were born near Covington, Ky., and came to Illinois
in their youth. They settled in Missouri in 1874, and bought land in the
eastern part of Daviess County, later returning to Illinois. They after-
wards came back to Daviess County, and after making two more trips
back in Illinois, they settled permanently in Daviess County. They both
died on the farm in this county, and their remains are buried in Lock
Spring Cemetery. They were the parents of seven children, three of
whom are still living: Luther, farming in Livingston County; Benjamin,
living in Livingston County; and Arthur M., the youngest child, the sub-
ject of this review.
Arthur M. Stephens was reared in Daviess County. At the age of 13
years, he began clerking in a store at Lock Spring. He afterwards
clerked in various stores, thoroughly mastering the phase of the mer-
cantile business that involved the successful management of a store. He
conducted a store at Lock Spring for S. N. Norris, who is the owner of
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 367
the Farmers' Store at Gallatin. In 1905, Mr. Stephens came to Gallatin,
where he clerked for Mr. Norris. In 1916 he was made the manager of
the store, and has conducted it with unvarying success ever since. The
store building covers a space 65x120 feet, and has a balcony 50 feet
wide. The firm carries dry goods, ladies ready to wear garments, shoes,
and men's clothing. They handle the Hart, Schaffner and Marx brand
of clothing for men. The business is constantly growing, and shows the
effect of Mr. Stephens' competent management.
Mr. Stephens was married to Florence McClure on Oct. 12, 1918.
She was born in Indiana and is the daughter of Charles and Mary Mc-
Clure, former residents of Daviess County.
Mr. Stephens is a Democrat, and is a member of the Masons and
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Lodges, holding his membership
in the former at Gallatin, and in the latter at Lock Spring. He is a relia-
ble man, and has the respect of the entire town.
R. L. Etter, Sr., manager of the W. H. Etter Dry Goods Company of
Gallatin, is a member of a family that has been connected with mercan-
tile pursuits in Missouri for many years. Mr. Etter has been an integral
part of the mercantile development of Missouri in several parts of the
state, and has been intimately associated with all phases of the business
world since his early youth. The training he received has been of ines-
timable value to him in recent years, since he has been operating a busi-
ness.
Mr. Etter was oorn on Dec. 11, 1863, at St. Louis, the son of C. A.
and Sarah (Allen) Etter. C. A. Etter was born in Marietta, Pa., and his
wife was a native of St. Louis County, Missouri. They are both now
dead. They were early settlers of St. Louis, and had their residence near
the river. C. A. Etter started a dry goods store in St. Louis, and for 30
years, he conducted it with marked success. He retired from active busi-
ness several years before his death. Mr. and Mrs. Etter were the parents
of 11 children, four of whom are now living: Charles, of San Antonio,
Tex. ; Coleman, in the W. H. Etter store at Gallatin ; Belle, now Mrs. Ar-
thur Klug of St. Louis; and R. L., the youngest child, and the subject of
this review.
R. L. Etter was reared in St. Louis, and graduated from the public
schools in that city. He and his brother, M. F. Etter, became interested
in the dry goods business, and operated stores in several towns in Mis-
souri. In 1882, they opened a store at Pattonsburg, which they sold in
1886. Mr. Etter then came to Gallatin, where his oldest brother had
founded the present Etter store. This store, founded by W. H. Etter
368 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
more than 40 years ago, is one of the thriving enterprises of Gallatin. It
is located in a building with a frontage of 60 feet, and is 125 feet deep.
The two floors are given over to the housing of the complete stock of
dry goods, shoes, carpets, men's clothing, ladies' ready to wear, and mil-
linery, which the firm carries. The W. H. Etter Dry Goods Company was
incorporated ten years after it was first organized. R. L. Etter is one of
the stockholders. The founder, W. H. Etter, died in 1915, but the com-
pany has continued the use of the original name.
R. L. Etter was married the first time to Elizabeth McDonald, and
to that union two children were born: Golden, a successful teacher in
Tulsa, Okla. ; and Robert, connected with the office of the Democrat at
Gallatin. Mr. Etter was married the second time to Neva Green, a native
of Chillicothe, Livingston County.
Mr. Etter is a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist Church.
He is an alert business man, and is accounted one of the substantial cit-
izens of Gallatin.
Charles Hemry, a prominent business man of Daviess County, is the
president of the First National Bank at Gallatin. Mr. Hemry is a member
of a pioneer family of the county, and has spent all of his life in and near
Gallatin, where he has established an enviable reputation as an efficient,
careful, and successful financier. He was born May 20, 1870, in Monroe
Township.
George Hemry, grandfather of Charles Hemry, came from Ohio to
Missouri, and settled in Daviess County in 1842. He entered land in
Monroe Township, and made extensive improvements for his time. After
a lapse of two years, he returned to Ohio to settle up the Hemry estate.
He returned to Missouri shortly after, and died at Brunswick, where his
remains are buried. His son, Thomas, the father of Charles Hemry, was
bom in Carroll County, Ohio, Dec. 9, 1830. He was reared in Daviess
County ; received his education in the rural schools ; and became a prom-
inent farmer and stockman in the county. He was a man of great energy
and ambition, conservative and careful in his dealings. At his death on
Jan. 31, 1903, he was the owner of 1500 acres of land, and his estate was
valued at $100,000. He married Sarah Payne, bom in Bourbon County,
Ky., Dec. 10, 1834, the daughter of Henry Payne. Henry Payne and his
family came to Missouri and settled in Daviess County in 1846. They lo-
cated on a farm in Monroe Township where they lived for many years.
Mr. Payne died in Iowa. To the union of Thomas and Sarah (Payne)
Hemry six children were born: Martin, now living in Gallatin; Augusta,
at Gallatin; Charles, the subject of this sketch; and Stella (Hemry) Hunt,
CHARLES IlEMRY
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 369
the assistant cashier of the First National Banlc. Mrs. Hemry died Nov.
2, 1914. Both her remains and those of her husband are buried in Brown
Cemetery.
Charles Hemry was reared on the farm, attended the rural schools
in his boyhood, and later became a student in Kidder Institute at Kidder.
He studied in Gem City Business College for a while, and then became
manager of the home farm, which he now owns. In July, 1894, he came to
Gallatin and entered the banking business, in which he remained until
1900, when he returned to the farm. In 1909 he was made the president
of the First National Bank and has filled that position with credit ever
since. In 1916 Mr. Hemry erected a house in Gallatin which is all modern
and is accounted one of the best residences in the town. He is an exten-
sive land owner, holding 687 acres in Daviess County and 1600 acres in
Western Kansas.
Mr. Hemry was married Dec. 19, 1909, to Adah Macy, a native of
Daviess County, the daughter of W. C. and Mary (Nichols) Macy. Mrs.
Hemry died Feb. 16, 1922, and is buried in Bi'own Cemetery. She left one
daughter, Mary Charlene; a daughter, Dorothy, is deceased. W. C. Macy
was born in Daviess County, the son of Captain Macy of Civil War fame,
and one of the early settlers of the county. Mr. Macy died July 20, 1921,
at the age of 73 years. He and his wife were the parents of six daughters
and one son. At the time of his death, Mr. and Mrs. Macy had retired from
their farm.
Charles Hemry is a Republican in politics, and is a member of the
Baptist church. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He
is one of the alert and keen minded business men of Daviss County, and a
man of marked civic pride for his town. The Hemry family has been an
asset to Daviess County since the days when the grandfather of the present
subject first settled here.
Frank A. Woodruff, one of the best known and most popular hotel
men of northwest Missouri, is the owner and proprietor o'f the Woodruff
Hotel at Gallatin. Mr. Woodruff is a man of varied business interests ;
he owns 169 acres of land in the county, and owns and manages the larg-
est pear orchard in the state. He is a native of Daviess County, born at
the southwest corner of the city limits of Gallatin, Dec. 3, 1865. His par-
ents were Joab and Paulina (Fisher) Woodruff.
The Woodruff name has been known in the United States since the
days of the American Revolution. Joab Woodruff, the paternal grand-
father of Frank A. Woodruff, w-as a native of Pennsylvania. He married
Sophia Dumhan, and they moved to Indiana. Their son, Joab, the father
370 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
of Frank A. Woodruff, was born near Nineneh, Johnson County, Indi-
ana, Oct. 25, 1825. He learned the trade of a wagon maker and followed
that trade for a time. He also farmed. In 1856 he came to Missouri and
located in Daviess County, where he owned a section of land in Union
and Liberty Townships. He was a successful farmer, and a fancier of
high grade stock. His home was an open house to all of his neighbors,
and was a meeting place for people from all parts of the county when
anything of importance called them to Gallatin. Mr. Woodruff was
known throughout the community for his spirit of hospitality.
Joab Woodruff married Pauline Fisher on Nov. 29, 1846. She was
born in Middletown, Ohio, May 14, 1825. To their union the following
children were born: Jamsy, the wife of T. P. New, living six miles east
of Gallatin; Mary, the widow of T. P. McGuire of Los Angeles; Gillie,
married L. F. Hill, they are both dead, and their remains are buried in
Colorado; John W., whose farm at Eugene, Ore., was selected as the
model chicken farm of Oregon; Hialleck, living near Gallatin; and
Frank A., the subject of this review. Mr. Woodruff died on June 17,
1882, and Mrs. Woodruff died on Feb. 25, 1901. The remains of both
are buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin.
Joab Woodruff was a Republican. He enlisted for service in the
Civil War, and in 1862, was commissioned captain of Company I by Gov-
ernor H. R. Gamble. He was assigned to No. 33rd, Regulars, Missouri
State Militia; and in 1863 was detailed captain of Company A, 4th Pro-
visional Regiment of the Enrolled Militia, stationed first at Rochester,
and later at Savannah and St. Joseph. He remained in that service until
the close of the war. In 1866 he was commissioned first lieutenant by
Gov. T. C. Fletcher, and was made the enrolling officer for Daviess
County. He held that position for a year. He was one of the best known
men of his time in Daviess County, where he was held in high esteem.
Frank A. Woodruff was reared on the farm, and attended the pub-
lic school until he was 14 years of age. He looked after his father's
farming interests, and farmed for himself until 1901. He became heir to
80 acres of land in 1892, which he at once converted into an orchard.
The land lies just a mile west of Gallatin, so Mr. Woodruff has an ex-
cellent shipping point. At the time that Mr. Woodruff set out his or-
chard, there was not a Commercial pear orchard to be found in the com-
munity, but he established the industry on so subtsantial a basis that
others have followed his lead. In 1919 Missouri raised more pears than
any other state ; Daviess County produced half the pears of the state
that year; and more than half of the Daviess County crop was raised in
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 371
Mr. Woodruff's orchard. That year he shipped 17 car loads of pears,
and in 1914 he shipped 23 car loads.
In 1901, Mr. Woodruff started in the hotel business at Gallatin, us-
ing a building on the site of the present Farmers' Store. That building
was burned, and in 1911, Mr. Woodruff bought the present hotel build-
ing. He is operating one of the most successful hotels in this part of the
state. The success is largely due to the hospitable attitude maintained
by both Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff toward their guests. Mr. Woodruff al-
ways employs from 12 to 1-5 assistants in the hotel, and during the pick-
ing season of the pear orchard, he employs 50 people. He supplies the
town with ice during the summer season.
Frank A. Woodruff was married on Oct. 4, 1885, to Sarah M. Hen-
derson, born on Feb. 6, 1865, on a farm four and one-half miles west of
Gallatin. Her father, G. W. Henderson, was born in Clay County, March
11, 1834. When he was two years old, his parents moved to Gentry
County, where his father was the first white man to build a log cabin in
that county. In 1840 he moved his family to Daviess County, and there
George W. Henderson grew up. G. W. Henderson was a farmer and
grain broker. In 1874 he was elected to the position of county judge,
which position he held for three years. He was acting as the county
treasurer at the time of his death on July 29, 1893. He married Matilda
McBrayer, Dec. 29, 1859. She was a native of Daviess County, and died
Sept. 24, 1878. To her union with G. W. Henderson four children were
born: John A., deceased; W. E., deceased; Sarah M., the wife of Frank
A. Woodruff; and Eleanor J.
To the union of Frank A. and Sarah M. (Henderson) Woodruff two
children were born: Frankie, born Dec. 18, 1893, graduated from the
Gallatin High School, married on Jan. 15, 1914, to Roy Talbert of Galla-
tin; and John, born Feb. 4, 1906, in the hotel, where he has been reared,
now a student in the Gallatin High School. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff have
one grandchild, Eleanor Frances Talbert, born on Dec. 28, 1914.
Mr. Woodruff is a Republican, and is a member of the Modern
Woodmen of America Lodge. His recollections of his youth on the farm
are very interesting. He was very fond of pets as a boy, and his list of
pet animals which he kept as a boy, includes 50 Shetland ponies, 40
deer, an elk, an antelope, a golden eagle, 12 foxes, six wolves, and 500
squirrels, which he kept in a huge cage at one time. Mr. and Mrs. Wood-
ruff are excellent citizens and are held in high esteem, not only in Galla-
tin, but by all the travelers, who have been guests in the hotel.
372 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Dr. P. L. Gardner, since June, 1918, a practicing physician and sur-
geon at Gallatin, is one of the progressive and widely known physicians
of the county. He is a native of Missouri, having been born at Trenton,
June 12, 1882. His parents are C. L. and Mary J. (Law) Gardner.
C. L. Gardner was born near Palmyra, and is now a retired railroad
man. He started as an engine wiper in his boyhood, was later made a
fireman at Trenton, and then became an engineer on the Rock Island
Railway, which position he held until 1901, when he retired from active
service. Mary J. (Law) Gardner was born in England, and came to the
United States about 1878. She went to Trenton, Mo., where she and her
husband now live. Mrs. Gardner is a member of the Episcopal Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Gardner had three children born to their union : Albert,
deceased; P. L., the subject of this review; and John T., living at Tren-
ton, and holding a position as traveling salesman for the Sharp and
Dohne Company of Baltimore, Md.
Dr. Gardner graduated from the Trenton High School, and in 1901,
entered Missouri State University and studied medicine there for one
year. In 1902 he went to University Medical College at Kansas City,
Mo., and graduated from that institution in 1905. He began to practice
his profession at Waldon, and remained there until 1909, when he lo-
cated at Gilman City. In April, 1918, he went to Chicago, and took a
post graduate course and in June, 1918, he located at Gallatin, where he
has established a large practice. He was a volunteer for medical service
during the World War, but was not called into active duty.
Dr. Gardner was married, April 19, 1905, to Jessie Ethel Ratliff.
Mrs. Gardner was born at Trenton, the daughter of J. Newton and So-
phronia (Drinkard) Ratliff, and graduated from the Trenton High
School. Her father was a native of Illinois and her mother was born in
Grundy County, Mo. Mr. Ratliff a partner in the Ratliff Commission
Company of Kansas City, Mo., and was one of the well known and popu-
lar business men of northwest Missouri. He died in 1920, and his widow
now lives at Trenton. Dr. Gardner and his wife have two children ; C.
Newton, and P. L., Jr.
Dr. Gardner is a Democrat, and is a Royal Arch Mason. He is a
member of the Daviess County Medical Society, the Missouri State Med-
ical Association, and the American Medical Association. He is at present
the deputy state commissioner of health and the United States public
health officer for Daviess County. Dr. Gardner is the owner of 80 acres
of land in Liberty Township, and keeps the place well improved. He is
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 373
a man of progressive ideas in his profession, and a citizen of whom the
community is proud.
B. E. Croy, holding the position of second assistant postmaster in
the postothce at Gallatin, was born on Dec. 4, 1875, near Jameson. His
parents were John and Nancy Jane (Walls) Croy. They were the par-
ents of five children. Mr. and Mrs. Croy have now retired from the
duties of their farm, and are living at Jameson.
B. E. Croy was reared on the farm, and attended the Jameson High
School. He later became interested in farming, and remained with his
father on the latter's farm until 1897. That year he bought a farm of 60
acres, which he operated and improved. He traded his land for a flour
mill at Jameson, and entered into partnership with T. A. Walls. They
operated the mill during the years 1909 and 1910, when Mr. Croy bought
Mr. Walls' interest in the enterprise. A little later he traded the mill for
183 acres of land in Liberty Township. During the year 1915-1916 he
operated his father's land, but the next year, moved to his own farm.
He improved that land, and continued to farm it until 1919, when he
moved to Gallatin. In September, 1920, he was appointed by the Civil
Service Commission as a clerk in the Gallatin Postoffice, where he has
made a competent and obliging official ever since.
Mr. Croy was married on Oct. 6, 1898 to Neva Byrd. She was born
in Grundy County, Dec. 7, 1876. the daughter of Redmond and Ella
(Currin) Byrd, both natives of Kentucky. Mrs. Byrd is dead, and Mr.
Byrd now lives at Jameson. Mrs. Croy died on July 6, 1921. To her
union with B. E. Croy three children were born: Alvin E., a resident of
La Junta, Col.; Helen Marie; and James C, both at home.
Mr. Croy is a Democrat, and is a member of the Baptist Church.
He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern Bi'other-
hood of America and the Mutual Benefit Association Lodges. He is a re-
liable man, and a highly esteemed member of the community.
H. E. Patton, manager of the Fuller Lumber Company at Gallatin,
has spent practically all of his life in and near Gallatin. He is a native
of Daviess County, where he was born at Jamesport on April 17, 1882.
G. M. Patton, the father of H. E. Patton, was born in Alderson, Va.,
Sept. 30, 1849. He followed the trade of a carpenter and contractor. In
1872 he came to Missouri, and located at Jamesport in Daviess County,
where he worked as a carpenter until 1902, when he came to Gallatin.
He married Isabelle Caraway, who was born in Daviess County, Sept.
17, 1852, and to this union two children were born: Harry E., the sub-
ject of this sketch; and Kipper, married to R. L. Saunders of Gatesville,
374 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Tex. Mrs. Patton died on March 1, 1917, and Mr. Patton now lives with
his son at Gallatin. Mrs. Patton was a member of the Presbyterian
Church, and Mr. Patton is identified with the Baptist Church.
Harry E. Patton was reared at Jamesport, and graduated from the
school at that place in 1900. He entered Grand River College at Galla-
tin, where he was a student for a time, later attending the Normal Col-
lege at Chillicothe. In 1908 he went to St. Joseph, and was placed in
charge of the shoe department of the Battreall and Whittingham Shoe
Company. The next year he farmed near Blake, and in 1913 he returned
to Gallatin and worked as a carpenter. In 1917, he accepted a position
as bookkeeper at the First National Bank, which position he gave up in
1918 in order to become the manager of the Fuller Lumber Yard at Gal-
latin.
Mr. Patton was married to Henrietta Kivett on April 30, 1910. Mrs.
Patton is the daughter of Newton and Mary (Johnson) Kivett, both na-
tives of Missouri. Mr. Kivett is dead, and his widow now lives at Galla-
tin. Mr. and Mrs. Patton have two children; Deen and Genevieve.
Mr. Patton is a member of the Christian Church, and is a Democrat.
He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America Lodge. He is well
known throughout Daviess County, and is an efficient and energetic
man. He is proving successful in his work as manager of the Fuller Lum-
ber Yard.
Lee R. Pierce, the county treasurer of Daviess County and a well
known auctioneer of Gallatin, where he makes his home, was born in
Rooks County, Kan., Nov. 29, 1893. His parents are Fred L. and Addle
(Brant) Pierce.
Fred L. Pierce was born in Tippecanoe County, Indiana, Jan. 29,
1871. He moved to Kansas in his youth, and became a farmer in that
state. In 1895 he came to Daviess County, and bought a farm in Monroe
Township two years later. He now owns 200 acres of well improvel
land, and is a breeder of high grade stock specializing in Spotted Po-
land China hogs. His wife, Addie (Brant) Pierce, was born in Ohio,
Sept. 30, 1872. To her union with Fred L. Pierce the following children
were born: Lee R., the subject of this review; Lloyd, Walter, Mary,
Ollie, Mildred, Be.ssie, and John.
Lee R. Pierce was reared on his father's farm, and attended the
district schools of Monroe Township. After he completed his school
work, he worked on the farm for his father. In 1912, he began crying
farm sales, and liked that work so well that he entered the Missouri Auc-
tion School at Trenton for special training. He has been a successful and
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 375
popular auctioneer. He served as the assessor of Union Township for
two years, and in 1920, he was elected county treasurer for Daviess
County.
Lee R. Pierce was married on Aug. 20, 1918, to Gay Green. Mrs.
Pierce was born in Monroe Township in Daviess County. Her parents
were W. H. and Mina Green, both now dead. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce have
no children.
Mr. Pierce is a Republican. He is a worthy young man, energetic
and ambitious, and is well lined in the town.
Clinton L. Payne, a retired farmer of Daviess County, now living at
Gallatin, is a native of Illinois, was born in Madison County on Jan. 3,
1859. His parents were Henry and Delia L. (Shephard) Payne.
Henry Payne was born in New Haven, Conn., and was reared on a
farm. In 1844 he came to Illinois, and located on a farm in Madison
County, where he died in 1879 at the age of 61 years. His wife was also
born in New Haven, Conn. She died at Trinidad, Col., in 1899, at the age
of 78 years. Mr. and Mrs. Payne were the parents of five children, of
whom only one, Clinton L., now survives.
Clinton L. Payne grew up on a farm in Illinois. He was a student in
Johnson's Commercial College in St. Louis, and graduated from that in-
stitution in 1880. He returned to Illinois, after his graduation, but in
1883 he came to Missouri. He bought 100 acres of land in Washington
Township, Daviess County, and improved it. He added to his land hold-
ings as he could, until he now owns 424 acres, divided into two well im-
proved farms. Mr. Payne has always been a stock breeder, and has
shipped a great deal of stock from Daviess County. In 1920, Mr. Payne
retired from the farm, went to Gallatin, and built one of the best resi-
dences in the town on East Grand Street. He is a shareholder and a di-
rector in the First National Bank of Gallatin.
Mr. Payne was married on Sept. 2, 1885, to Alice M. Reed. Mrs.
Payne was born in Washington Township, Daviess County. Her parents
wer-^ N. E. Reed, a native of Delaware; and Rachel (Mayo) Reed, born
in Illinois. They are both dead. Mr. and Mrs. Payne have two children:
Harley, married Geraldine Daniels, has one child, Harley, Jr., and lives
on one of Mr. Payne's farms; and Leland, married Arthur Daniels, and
lives on Mr. Payne's farm.
Mr. Payne has always been a highly respected citizen of Daviess
County, where he is held to be one of the substantial and reliable men of
his community. The Payne family is an asset to the county.
376 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Leonard M. Hosman, the capable and progressive superintendent of
public schools at Gallatin, has spent his life in school work. He is thoroly
familiar with the various phases and needs of the educational work of
Missouri, having been an integral part of the school system for years. He
has been a student in the rural schools, the town systems, the State Teach-
ers College, and the University. Both as a student and as an instructor,
he has shown a keen appreciation of the problems that confront the schools.
He is, by virtue of his capacity and training, the type of man who can and
does accomplish much for Missouri schools.
Leonard M. Hosman was born in Sheridan Township, Daviess County,
Dec. 19, 1891. His parents are S. G. and Alice E. (McCrary) Hosman.
Leonard Hosman's paternal grandparents were James and Kathena (Wood)
Hosman, natives of Kentucky. They came to Missouri, and settled in
Daviess County in 1840, where they settled on a farm and reared seven
sons. James Hosman was a slave holder, the owner of race horses and
always had Kentucky whiskey in his home. He was one of the intrepid
men who, because he enjoyed venturing into new and untried land, was a
strong factor in building up this part of Missouri.
S. G. Hosman, a son of James and the father of Leonard M., was born
in Daviess County, Feb. 20, 1862. He was reared on a farm within a mile
of his present home in Daviess County, and has always been a farmer.
He holds 120 acres of well improved land in Sheridan Township, and is
a well known breeder of Poland China hogs, and Aberdeen Angus cattle.
He has exhibited his stock at various fairs. Mr. Hosman has always been
a fancier of high grade horses and mules. He has made an improvement
in Reed Yellow Dent corn, which has proved successful. He has for years
been a man of prominence in the community and has for been connected
with the progressive school movements of his district. He is a staunch
Democrat, a member of the Presbyterian church, and belongs to the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows lodge.
S. G. Hosman was married to Alice E. McCrary. She was born in
Sheridan Township Nov. 14, 1863, the daughter of F. M. and Martha
(McBrayer) McCrary. They were natives of North Carolina, and came to
Daviess County in 1825, making the trip overland. Mrs. Hosman's father,
F. M. McCrary, was born during the trip. To S. G. and Alice E. (McCrary)
Hosman the following children were born: Leonard E., the subject of this
sketch; Floyd, a farmer in Sheridan Township; Joseph, living at home;
Carrie, the wife of Virgil Walker of Sheridan Township; Alta, at home;
and Pearl, at home.
Leonard Hosman was reared on a farm, and attended the Swisher
District School. He graduated from the Hamilton High School in 1911,
I.KONAKI. ,M. IIOSMAX
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 377
and then taught in the Cope District, west of Gallatin, for two years, spend-
ing the spring and summer in the Northwest Missouri State Teachers Col-
lege at Marysville. In 1913 he was elected principal of the Pattonsburg
High School, and the next year was tendered the position of superintendent
there. He retained that position until 1914, when he left Pattonsburg in
order to accept a position at Gallatin. Since 1917 he has been superinten-
dent of schools at Gallatin, and has had the cooperation of the entire com-
munity in building up an excellent school system. Mr. Hosman graduated
from the Northwest Missouri State Teachei's College in 1915, and during
1920 and 1921, he was a student in Kansas State University at Lawrence
Kansas. Mr. Hosman has always maintained a keen interest in farming
and during the World War, he spent two summers working on the farm.
He owns 163 acres of land in Marion and Benton Townships in Daviess
County, and successfully oversees the operations of his holdings.
Leonard M. Hosman was married on Aug. 5, 1916, to Eunice E. Eliott
born in the southern part of Gentry County, the daughter of H. F. and
Alva (Brotherton) Elliott. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott are now living at Pattons-
burg, where Mr. Elliott does general farming.
Mr. Hosman is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist church
in which he is a steward. He belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Yoeman lodges.
He is a man of energy, vision and ambition, an invaluable asset to the
community.
Nathaniel G. Cruzen, a well known and successful attorney who is
engaged in the practice of his profession at Gallatin, is a native of Da-
viess County and a member of one of the pioneer families of this part of
the state. He was born at Jamesport, Aug. 1, 1871, a son of Nathaniel
G. and Mary Faulkner (Gillilan) Cruzen.
Nathaniel G. Cruzen, the father, was a veteran of the Civil War
anl during his lifetime was identified with Daviess County. He was bom
in Jefferson County, Virginia, Oct. 14, 1826, and his parents were Rich-
ard R. and Aurelia W. (North) Cruzen, the former a native of Loudoun
County, Virginia, who for 30 years was inspector of the National Arm-
ory at Harper's Ferry, and the latter a native of Fairfax County, Vir-
ginia. Nathaniel G. Cruzen, Sr., attended school at Harper's Ferry and
worked in the armory under his father there until he was 20 years old.
In 1846 he came to Missouri and settled in Saline County. He remained
there until 1849 when gold was discovered in California when he went
to the Pacific Coast. He was engaged in mining in California for four
years and returned to Saline County where he was engaged in the peace-
378 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
ful pursuit of farming until the Civil War broke out. In December. 1861,
he enlisted in the Confederate Army in Company A, commanded by F.
S. Robertson. His first engagement was at Kirkpatrick's mill, near Knob-
noster, Dec. 19, 1861, where the whole Confederate army was captured.
Mr. Cruzen was confined in the Graitot Street Prison at St. Louis for
three months when he was transferred to the prison at Alton, 111., and
six months later was exchanged. He was then mustered into Musser's Bat-
talion which was later consolidated with the Infantry. He remained in
the army until the close of the war when he surrendered at Shreveport,
La. He then returned to Missouri and engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness at Mt. Hope, Lafayette County, until March, 1869, when he came
to Daviess County which was his home until the time of his death, July
1, 1903. Gallatin had been his home since 1883 and at the time of his
death he was engaged in the loan and abstract business.
Nathaniel G. Cruzen, Sr., was first married to Nancy. E. Jordin, a
native of Greenbrier County, West Virginia, who died July 23, 1856. In
December, 1860, Mr. Cruzen married Mrs. Mary Faulkner, a daughter
of James Gillilan, a native of Pocahontas County, Virginia, and one of
the early settlers of Daviess County. He was the founder of the town of
Jamesport in whose honor it was named. To Nathaniel G. Cruzen's sec-
ond marriage seven children were born of whom the following are liv-
ing: Bettie L., married Charles A. Savage, Kansas City; Nathaniel G.,
the subject of this sketch; Harry L., Rock Island, HI.; and Earl M.,
Walla Walla, Wash. The mother of these children resides in Kansas
City with her daughter.
Nathaniel G. Cruzen, whose name introduces this review was edu-
cated in the public schools of Jamesport and Gallatin and Wentworth
Military Academy at Lexington, Mo. He entered the Kansas City law
school in 1895 and was graduated from that institution in 1897 and was
admitted to the bar of Missouri in 1897. He held a clerkship in the Kan-
sas City post office from 1891 to 1901, taking his law course at night
school during the same period. In 1901 Mr. Cruzen returned to Galla-
tin and engaged in the practice of law. He was in partnership with R. J.
Britton for a time and they conducted the abstract and loan business in
addition to the law. In 1911 Mr. Cruzen became associated with E. D.
Mann. Mr. Cruzen is a capable lawyer and has been identified with
many of the important cases of Daviess County. He was appointed spe-
cial prosecutor in the celebrated Tarwater case, which attracted state-
wide attention and was carried to the Supreme Court which confirmed
the conviction of the lower Court and the contention of the Prosecutor.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 379
Mr. Cruzen was married June 26, 1896, to Miss Mary Edna Gear-
heart, a native of Denver, who was reared and educated in Kansas City
and Gallatin. She is a very capable woman and a talented writer. To
Mr. and Mrs. Cruzen have been born two children: Richard H., a gradu-
ate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., and is now
holding a commission as ensign on the U. S. S. Claxton, with the Pacific
fleet ; and Mary N., who was educated at the Central Female College,
Lexington, Mo., Kansas State Agricultuarl College and the Chicago Uni-
versity, is now a teacher of Dometsic Science at Liberty, Mo.
Mr. Cruzen is a Democrat and has held the office of County Collec-
tor. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Exchange Bank of Gallatin and
is a member of the Masonic Lodge.
Frank A. Fitterer, a grocery merchant of Gallatin, Daviess County,
is a member of a well known Missouri family. He was born at Trenton
on Nov. 15, 1873, and is the oldest son of Enos and Mary (Artman)
Fitterer, sketches of whose lives appear elsewhere in this volume.
Frank A. Fitterer grew up in Daviess County and attended the
school at Gallatin, from which he graduated in 1892. He became a firm
member of the M. E. Fitterer and Sons Mercantile Company, and has re-
tained his interest in the store ever since.
Mr. Fitterer was married on Oct. 7, 1896, to Maud Clingan. Mrs.
Fitterer was born at Gallatin, the daughter of Edward and Lillie (Clou-
das) Clingan. Mrs. Clingan, now deceased, was a native of Quincy, 111.;
and Mr. Clingan, born at Gallatin, now lives with his children. Mr. and
Mrs. Fitterer have one son, Frank Clingan Fitterer. He graduated from
the Gallatin High School, was a student in William Jewell College at
Liberty, and later studied in Missouri State University, and also served
as a member of the S. A. T. C. in the same college. He married Norris
Tomlinson, and to this union one son was born, Jack Clingan Fitterer.
Mr. Fitterer is now clerking in the Knauer store.
Frank A. Fitterer is a member of the Presbyterian Church and is an
elder in that organization. By inheritance and training Mr. Fitterer is
well fitted to handle mercatnile work in a successful manner. He is one
of the well established business men of the community, where the Fit-
terer family has always been considered an asset to the town.
Enos Fitterer, deceased, was born at Baden, Germany, on July 28,
1835. In 1846 his parents came to the United States and settled on a
farm in Butler County, Ohio. Ten years later, in 1856, Enos Fitterer
went to Hamilton, Ohio, and learned the trade of a baker. After spend-
380 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
ing 15 months at Hamilton, he went to Carthage, 111., and entered the
bakery business for himself.
Mr. Fitterer left his business in 1861 and enlisted for service in the
Civil War. He was placed in Company B, 32nd Illinois Volunteer Infan-
try; and took part in the following battles and skirmishes, Pittsburg
Landing, Hatchie River, and Sherman's March to the Sea. He was mus-
tered out of service at Leavenworth, Kan., in September, 1865, and re-
ceived his discharge at Springfield, 111.
From Springfield, 111., Mr. Fitterer came to Missouri and located at
Trenton, where he entered into a partnership with C. A. Hoffman. They
opened a grocery store and bakery under the firm name of Hoffman
and Fitterer, which they conducted until 1867, when Mr. Hoffman re-
tired from the business. In 1873, Mr. Fitterer and his brother, John, be-
came partners in the same enterprise using the firm name of Fitterer
and Brother. That same year they sold the store to Hyde and Crandall.
In 1877, Mr. Fitterer moved to Gallatin, and entered the grocery and
bakery business, which he conducted until his death on Feb. 18, 1884.
Enos Fitterer was married on Sept. 23, 1868, to Mary Artman. She
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 20, 1852. She died on April 19, 1908.
To her union with Enos Fitterer two children were born: Frank A., and
Oscar L., sketches of whose lives appear in this volume. After the death
of her husband, Mi's. Fitterer continued to operate the store. She was a
woman of keen business ability, and of wide sympathy. She was a de-
vout member of the Baptist Church, as was her husband also, and sup-
ported it, both spiritually and financially with the greatest loyalty. She
was a woman much given to deeds of charity, but never felt that she de-
served praise for her kindnesses.
The firm name of M. E. Fitterer and Sons has been used since 1877.
The long record of 45 continuous years of successful business is unusual.
It has established the Fitterer name among the well known mercantile
firms of the county. The two sons of Enos Fittterer now conduct the bus-
iness. They have achieved the same success that their father had. The
store is one of the best equipped in Daviess County. The firm carries a
complete line of groceries and queensware, and operate a bakery in con-
nection with the business. Enos Fitterer founded the business along safe
business lines. He was a man of unusual discernment, great energy, and
with high ideals of integrity and civic pride.
Oscar L. Fitterer, merchant at Gallatin, has been well and favor-
ably known in the county all of his life. He is a member of a family that
has been prominent in the mercantile business in Daviess County for
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 381
many years, and is himself a partner in the M. E. Fitterer's Sons grocery
store and bakery. He was born at Gallatin on May 22, 1883, the son of
Enos and Mary (Artman) Fitterer, sketches of whose lives appear in
this volume.
Oscar L. Fitterer was educated in the Gallatin public schools and
graduated from Grand River College with the degree of Master of
Accounts. He did his special work in his chosen field under the tutelage
of B. F. Spreyer. After graduation from college, Mr. Fitterer became
a clerk in the store owned by his mother and brother. After the death
of his mother, he became a partner in the store. He and his brother
F. A., now conduct the business, which is one of the highly successful
enterprises of Daviess County.
Mr. Fitterer was married to Maud Oxford on Nov. 11, 1908. Mrs.
Fitterer was born at Cainsville, the daughter of M. F. and Sarah Jane
(Chambers) Oxford. Mr. Oxford is an attorney at Cainsville. Mrs.
Fitterer is an active member of the Baptist church, and for the past
three years, has acted as the president of the Ladies' Aid Society of the
church. She is a woman of marked executive ability and tact, and has
made a thoroughly competent officer. She is a member of the Order of
the Eastern Star, and has filled practically all of the offices in that lodge.
Oscar L. Fitterer is a member of the Baptist church. He is a Royal
Arch Mason and the Chapter lodge at Gallatin; and is a Knights Tem-
plar and a member of the Moila Shrine at St. Joseph. He is accounted
one of the progressive and reliable business men of Gallatin, and is one
of the highly regarded citizens of Davie.ss County.
R. M. McCue, retired, substantial citizen of Daviess County is the
owner of 400 acres of well improved land in Grand River Township,
Daviess County. He was born in Nicholas County, Va., Feb. 19, 1844,
the son of David and Martha (McNeil) McCue.
David McCue was born in Pocahontas County, Va., in February,
1802, and came to Missouri in 1844, where he became engaged in farm-
inf in Jackson Township, Daviess County. During the Civil War, Mr.
McCue ser\'ed in the army. He later sold out his farm and moved to
Chariton County, Mo. For a short time he lived in Oklahoma. Mr. Mc-
Cue died Sept. 12, 1892, on his son's farm in Daviess County. To David
and Martha (McNeil) McCue 18 children were born, as follows: Paul,
deceased; Isaac, deceased; Elizabeth, died in infancy; Franklin, de-
ceased; Rachael, the widow of A. L. Martin, Oklahoma; David, de-
ceased; James, deceased; John, deceased; William, deceased; Charles,
deceased ; Hannah, the widow of A. L. Holland, Gallatin ; George, Okla-
382 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
homa; R. M., the subject of this sketch; Mathew, Shelby County; Abra-
ham, deceased; Virginia, twin sister of Abraham; Mary, deceased, was
the wife of Alfred Clark; Martha, deceased, was the wife of Wm. Mc-
Cartney. Fifteen of the children grew to maturity, and eight of the sons
served during the Civil War in the Confederate army.
Martha (McNeil) McCue, the mother of R. M. McCue, was born in
Greenbrier County, Virginia, in 1810, and died on May 13, 1854. The
following is quoted from remarks concerning the life of Mrs. McCue by
Mrs. N. G. Cruzen, written in the Northwest History of Missouri: "Mar-
tha (McNeil) McCue, the mother of this very large family of 18 chil-
dren underwent many trials and much privation in the rearing of her
family. Can you imagine such a great mother love as she possessed?
She brought up her family in a log cabin, shut in by the great wilderness
of the prairie land. Beside the enormous task of mothering her children,
Mrs. McCue even wove the material for their clothing. She carded the
wool by hand, spun it on a big wheel, reeled it on a count wheel, dyed,
wove, cut and made the garments for her entire family. She did this
work by the light of a tallow candle. She communed in silent prayer
with her God and touched each touseled head, fastened each little shoe,
and bent to kiss each childish hurt. She was indeed a wonderful mo-
ther."
R. M. McCue was reared on his father's farm and received his edu-
cation in the Oxford District school. He began farming on rented land,
but in 1875 he purchased a farm in Bates County. Five years later, Mr.
McCue returned to Daviess County, where he purchased a farm in
Grandriver Township. He made extensive improvements and kept add-
ing to his land holdings until he now owns 400 acres of land. He was
one of the successful farmers of Daviess County, and is widely known.
In September, 1862, Mr. McCue enlisted in Arkansas under the
command of General Joe Shelby, and served throughout the Civil War.
He then returned to Daviess County. In 1890 he retired from farming
and since that time has lived in Gallatin, where he owns a fine residence.
On Dec. 2, 1877, Mr. McCue was married to Elizabeth Rodgers, a
daughter of T. F. and Tabitha (McClung) Rodgers, now deceased, na-
tives of Virginia. Mrs. McCue was born Feb. 2, 1858, in Warren County,
111. To R. M. and Elizabeth (Rodgers) McCue four children were born,
as follows: Virgil R., dentist, St. Joseph; Jessie, the wife of Dr. M. A.
Smith, Gallatin; Irma Roena, the wife of J. L. Campbell, professor. Lib-
erty; Vada June, the wife of Dr. L. F. Graham, dentist, Cameron; Vir-
gil R. McCue was educated in the Gallatin schools and Western Dental
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 383
College at Kansas City. He began his practice in 1901 at Pattonsburg,
where he remained until 1912, when he was appointed by Governor
Major on the parole board for two years. He then resigned and was ap-
pointed on the State Dental Board, on which he served for four years.
He still holds this office. In 1914 Dr. McCue went to Cameron, where he
practiced until 1920, when he removed to St. Joseph. He now has his
business in St. Joseph, and has been unusually successful in his work.
He is well known in Daviess County and has many friends. Jessie McCue
Smith was educated in the Lexington Central College for Women, from
which she is a graduate. She taught .school until her marriage. Her sis-
ters, Irma and Vada, are also graduates of the same school. Mr. McCue
has four grand children: Virginia McCue; Bettie J. Smith; Mary M.
Smith; and Mary C. Campbell.
Mr. McCue is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist
Church, as also was his father. David McCue was a great student of the
Bible. Mr. McCue attributes his great success in life to hard work, per-
severance, and good management. He is an interesting and intelligent
man and a substantial and reliable citizen. He merits the high esteem
in which he is held in the community.
George C. Goodbar, the son of a pioneer farmer of Daviess County,
and himself a retired farmer, now lives at Gallatin. He was born in
Grand River Township, Daviess County, on Oct. 29, 1857, the son of
Joseph and Jeannette (Drummond) Goodbar.
Joseph Goodbar was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, Jan. 15,
1815. He came to Missouri in 1843, and bought land in Daviess County
about three miles from the present site of Pattonsburg. Five years later,
he moved to Grand River Township, where he preempted land on the
prairie. He farmed there all of his life. His wife was a native of Mon-
roe County West Virginia, where she was born in September, 1819. The
children of Joseph and Jeannette (Drummond) Goodbar were: Mary
A., married J. O. Miller and is now dead; J. M., deceased; R. H., living
on the home place in Grand River Township; Missouri A., and a sister,
twins, the former married to G. K. Nickel!, and the latter died in in-
fancy ; Martha E., the wife of T. K. Hayes of Grand River Township ; Jo-
sephine, the widow of J. Reed living in northern New Mexico; Laura A.,
the wife of A. C. Smith of Gallatin; George C, the subject of this re-
view; J. v., living at Excelsior Springs; Joseph U., on a farm in Grand
River Township; and Ada N., dead, was the wife of D. N. Hesler. Mrs.
Goodbar died in 1894, and Mr. Goodbar died on March 4, 1889. Their
remains are buried in Bethel Cemetery. They were both members of the
Methodist Church.
384 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
George C. Goodbar was reared on a farm, and attended the rural
schools. He began farming when he was only a boy. At the age of 10
years, he was using the old fashioned single shovel plow. He bought a
part of the home place upon which he made improvements. He added
to his land and now owns 120 acres in Grand River Township. In 1899,
he and his brother, J. C. Goodbar, began breeding Shorthorn cattle.
They shipped their stock through a commission company at Omaha,
Neb., and became well known as breeders and shippers. In 1915, Mr.
Goodbar sold his herd of pure bred cattle to Joe Mann. Mr. Goodbar re-
mained on his farm until December, 1919, when he moved to Gallatin.
George C. Goodbar was married to Sarah (Poage) Ballard. Mrs.
Goodbar was born in Union Township, the daughter of Samuel and
Sarah (Allen) Poage. They were early settlers of Daviess County, who
came to Missouri from Virginia.
Mr. Goodbar is a Republican, and held the office of a member of
the township board in Grand River Township for two terms. He is a
member of the Presbyterian Church. He is one of the substantial citi-
zens of the county, a man who is reliable and highly respected.
Wood H. Hamilton, who is now living retired, was a prominent mer-
chant of Gallatin, Mo., for many years. He was born in Randolph County,
Mo., June 15, 1849, the son of Dr. John Benjamin and Coroline (Sanders)
Hamilton, natives of Kentucky.
The Hamilton family is of Scotch Irish descent. For many years. Dr.
Hamilton was a practicing physician in Kentucky. In 1836 he with his
wife moved to Randolph County, Mo., having made the trip from Kentucky
to Missouri in a covered wagon drawn by six horses. He brought several
negro slaves with him. Upon his arrival in Missouri, Dr. Hamilton pur-
chased a great deal of unimproved land which the negroes worked for him.
He sold out his farm in 1850, removing to Gallatin, Mo., where he purchas-
ed business property and land near Gallatin. Two year later. Dr. Hamilton
died at the age of 57 years. His wife then moved on a farm a mile west of
Gallatin, with her five sons, where she lived until her death, Mai-ch 17,
1903, at the age of 91 years.
Wood H. Hamilton was educated in the public schools of Gallatin, and
was reared on a farm. He remained with his mother until his marriage in
1870. He carried on farming until 1873, when he held a live stock sale,
which netted him $625.00. With this money Mr. Hamilton came to Galla-
tin, and became engaged in the harness and saddlery business. Although
being inexperienced along this line of work, he soon became an expert in
making harness and saddles. His business grew steadily until at one time
he had seven men engaged to assist him. In 1901 Mr. Hamilton sold out
y^/TzulialC^/^/^^i^^*^^^
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 385
his business, after which he made many investments in property. He has
owned about 12 of the business buildings on the square in Gallatin, among
them being the Woodruff Hotel, the Odd Fellows Building, which was burn-
ed in the spring of 1922. Mr. Hamilton owns a very fine residence in Gall-
atin where he makes his home.
On Dec. 22, 1870, Mr. Hamilton was married to Amanda McGee, the
daughter of Major McGee, a prominent pioneer of Gallatin. To Wood H.
and Amanda (McGee) Hamilton seven children have been born, as follows:
Minnie, deceased ; Winnie, the wife of R. J. McCue, San Francisco, and they
have one son, J. Dennison McCue, 22 years old; Elsie, the wife of Fred
Carson, Kansas City, Mo., and they have two sons, Ralph and Robert ; Lela,
the wife of Carl Roswell, Chicago, 111.; Coleman, married to Minnie Whitt,
living at Holton, Kansas ; Lewis B., born in 1899. He enlisted during the
World War on July 23, 1917, at Trenton, and was sent to Camp Doniphan,
Okla., for training. On April 25th, 1918, he sailed for overseas with the
139th Infantry, 35th Division, and on May 24th, 1918, was made corporal
of Headquarters Company of the 139th Infantry. He was in the follow-
ing battles; Wessling Sector, July 20th to Sept. 1, 1918; St. Mihiel, Dec. 16
to September; Argonne Offiensive, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, 1918; in this
battle all of the commissioned officers were killed, among them being Major
W. D. Stepp, a well known attorney of Trenton. After the battle the
sergeants were made leaders of the companies. Mr. Hamilton was also
engaged in the Verdun Sector from Oct. 24th until Nov. 6, 1918. During
one battle he was struck by a piece of shrapnel on the hand, which knocked
a pair of pliers from his hands. His company left France on April 3, 1919,
and landed in this country April 25, 1919. He was discharged on May 9,
1919, at Camp Funston, Kans. He returned to Gallatin, Mo., where he
was appointed assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Gallatin,
which position he held from August, 1919, until April 15, 1921. Mr. Ham-
ilton then became engaged in looking after his father's interests. He was
married on June 29, 1920, to Merle Harris of Clifton Hill, and they reside
in Gallatin.
Wood H. Hamilton was a stockholder in the First National Bank of
Gallatin, and after 40 years of connection with this bank, sold his interests.
In politics he is a Democrat. He has held the oflfice of either mayor or
councilman of Gallatin since 1894, and is one of the leaders in public affairs
of his community. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, and the Knights of Phythias.
He belongs to the Christian church. Mr. Hamilton is one of Daviess
County's most highly respected and substantial citizens and he stands
high in the esteem of his community.
386 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
W. E. Blackburn, a well known retired farmer of Gallatin, was born
Aug. 25, 1857, in Cass County, Indiana, a son of Robert and Cecelia Ann
(King) Blackburn, natives of Butler County, Ohio.
Robert Blackburn was born in 1815 and was a farmer during his
entire life. He died in 1871 in Miami County, Indiana, where he is
buried. Mr. Blackburn was married twice, his first wife being a Miss
Venamon. Five children were born to this union, one of whom is now
living; Daniel Blackburn, who came to Missouri in 1869 and settled in
Daviess County, where he now resides in Union Township.
Mr. Blackburn then married Cecelia Ann King, a native of Ohio,
and to this union five children were born: A daughter, died in infancy;
W. E. Blackburn, the subject of this sketch; Robert Oscar, deceased; L.
K., Gallatin; Charles H., deceased. After Mr. Blackburn's death in 1871,
Mrs. Blackburn married David W. Vaughn, and they were the parents
of four children, as follows: Adelbert, Union Township; Albert E.,
Union Township; Eugene, living with his father and two brothers; Osta
Isabelle, wife of A. L. Dunnington, Union Township. Mrs. Vaughn died
in 1911.
W. E. Blackburn was reared on a farm in Miami County, Indiana,
and came to Missouri in November, 1881. He worked as a farm hand
for one year and then returned to Indiana. In 1883 he returned to Da-
viess County, and settled on a farm south of Gallatin. He farmed here
until 1908, when he moved four miles northeast of Gallatin, and in 1919
he moved to Gallatin, where he is living retired. Mr. Blackburn was
educated in a log cabin and took a normal course, teaching two terms of
school, which he gave up for farming.
Mr. Blackburn has been married three times. His finst wife was
Virginia L. Wood, a native of Davie.ss County. Si.\ children were born to
them as follows: Pearl, wife of Harry Lewis, Chicago, 111.; Jewell C,
died in infancy; Frances, wife of C. H. Bryant, Winston; Virgil Homer,
Chicago, 111. ; Laura J., wife of W. E. Sawyer, Tampa, Fla. ; Forrest W.,
at home.
After the death of his first wife Mr. Blackburn was manned to
Hattie Wynne. No chilrden were born to this union. Mr. Blackburn's
third' marriage in 1915 was to Jennie Baldwin, a native of Daviess
County. They have no children.
Mr. Blackburn is a Democrat, and held township offices and also
served on the County Court for two years from the south district. He is a
member of the Methodist Church.
When Mr. Blackburn began farming as a renter he had $300.00 in
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 387
cash. He now owns 170 acres of land in Union Township, 40 acers in
Grand River Township, 10 acres just east of the city limits of Gallatin,
and one acre on which he now lives in Gallatin. All of Mr. Blackburn's
farms are well improved and he always owned high grade stock. He is
one of the enterprising citizens of the county, and widely known. He
was elected on the city council in 1922.
D. Harfield Davis, deceased, was a prominent merchant of Gallatin,
for many years. He was born in Clark County, Virginia, one mile from
the famous Lord Fairfax estate near the city of Winchester, on April 26,
1836. He was the son of Baalis and Eliza (Timberlake) Davis, natives
of Virginia.
Baalis Davis was a merchant in Virginia and in 1855 removed to
St. Louis, Mo., with his son, D. Harfield, the subject of this sketch. They
went up the Missouri River by boat as far as the old port of Waverly,
and from there they made the trip to Gallatin by horse and wagon.
After their arrival in Gallatin, they became engaged in the drug busi-
ness, which they followed until the times of their deaths. During the
Civil War, D. Harfield Davis served as treasurer of Daviess County. At
one time he had $46,000.00 in his keeping. A report reached him that
bushwhackers were liable to raid the town at any time, and fearing this
might take place, hid the money in the county jail until the danger was
past. Mr. Davis received his first commission as postmaster of Gallatin,
from President Buchanan, in 1856. He also held this office during Pres-
ident Lincoln's administration and during part of President Grant's. He
was a member of the first common council of Gallatin, on which board
he served for many years, as well as the school board.
In 1869, Mr. Davis purchased the local newspaper, then known as
the "Torchlight," which he later changed to the "Gallatin Democrat."
He conducted the paper for several years, when he sold it and became
engaged again in the drug business, which was known under the name
of the D. H. Davis Drug Company, until his death. This company is still
in business under that name, and is one of the most reliable and substan-
tial drug firms in Daviess County.
Mr. Davis was married in 1859 to America Osborn, a native of Cov-
ington, Ind., who came to Missouri with her father, Jesse Osborne who
was one of the prominent pioneers of Gallatin. Mrs. D. H. Davis died in
April, 1905. Mr. Davis died July 31, 1917, at Gallatin, and they are
buried in Brown Cemetery. To D. Harfield and America (Osborn) Da-
vis the following living children were born: Madora, the wife of Robert
388 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
A. Crozier, Los Angeles, Calif.; Frank M., Gallatin; and Virginia S.,
Gallatin.
Frank Davis vi'as born Jan. 12, 1863, and was reared and educated
in Gallatin. He clerked in his father's store when a young man. Since
his father's death, he has carried on the drug business and is a registered
pharmacist. The store is incorporated and Mr. Davis with his two ne-
phews own and conduct the business.
On Nov. 6, 1889, Frank Davis was married to Josephine A. Bottom,
a native of Breckenridge, Mo., and daughter of Dr. M. and Lavinia (Har-
rison) Bottom. Dr. Bottom was a practicing physician at Breckenridge
until his death, and was the oldest graduate of the old Richmond, Va.,
School of Medicine. His widow now lives in Breckenridge. To Frank
and Josephine (Bottom) one child has been born, Leora M., born Oct.
26, 1891. She is the wife of Dr. W. Dalton Davis, who is stationed at
Fort Lyons, Colo., with the navy. He is a specialist in the tubercular de-
partment. Mrs. W. Dalton Davis is a graduate of Gallatin High School
and the University of Missouri, having the Bachelor of Arts and Sciences
degrees.
Frank Davis is a Democrat, as also was his father. He is a member
of the Presbyterian Church and one of the substantial citizens of Galla-
tin. The Davis family has been prominent in Daviess County for years,
where the name stands for integrity, for uprightness and good citizen-
8hip.
W. C. Pogue, a prominent retired farmer of Gallatin, and owner of 640
acres of land in Grand River Township, was born March 22, 1860, in Mason
County, Ky., the son of William T., and Sallie Pickett (Shanklin) Pogue.
William T. Pogue was born in Greenup County, Ky., and came to
Missouri in the early forties, where he purchased a great deal of land at
75 cents per acre. His brother, George Pogue, was a lawyer at Gallatin,
also became a large land owner. W. T. Pogue never made his home in
Missouri, as he became ill while here and sent for his son, George H., to
come to Missouri and take care of his affairs. Mr. Pogue returned to Ken-
tucky where he died, in 1881. At the time of his death he owned a great
deal of cattle and a sawmill in Missouri, besides his land. Sallie (Pickett)
Pogue was born in Mason County, Ky., where she also died. To W. T. and
Sallie (Pickett) Pogue six children were born, of whom three are now
living, as follows: George H., Jamesport; Sallie P., the wife of James C.
Darnell, deceased. Mason County, Ky., and W. C, the subject of this sketch.
W. C. Pogue was the youngest of six children, and was reared on the
farm in Kentucky, which is still in possession of the Pogue family. They
have owned it for more than 150 years. He was educated in the Kalamont
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 389
School at Flemingsburg, Ky. After completing his education, Mr. Pogue
returned to the farm, where he lived until he removed to Daviess County,
on January 31, 1883. He settled on a farm there owned by his father in
Grand River Township. Mr. Pogue was very successful in general farm-
ing and was a well known breeder of Schropshire sheep. He handled more
sheep than most of the Missouri farmers. His farm was extensively im-
proved and has a modern home on it. In October, 1916, Mr. Pogue retired
and moved to Gallatin, where he now owns a fine residence three blocks
east of the Square.
On Oct. 30, 1889, Mr. Pogue was married to Marguerite Barnett, a
native of Grand River Township, born June 7, 1868. She is the daughter
of R. M. and Mary M. (Drummond) Barnett. To W. C. and Marguerite
(Barnett) Pogue four children have been born, as follows: R. Grady, Chilli-
cothe; Robert J., with father; Mary G., born Aug. 26, 1901, living at home;
Willetta, born Oct. 22, 1904, living at home. R. Grady Pogue served in the
World's War, enlisting in August, 1917. He entered the officers' training
camp at Fort Sheridan, 111., and three months later was commissioned and
sent to a training camp at Glintonville, Wis., and later to Rock Island, 111.,
arsenal. He was also stationed at the Peoria, 111., Tank Training School,
and left Camp Custer for overseas in August, 1918. He was captain in
the 330 Heavy Field Artillery. Mr. Pogue was stationed on ordinance duty
most of the time. He returned to this country in May, 1919. Mr. Pogue
was married to Myrtle C. Davis, on June 13, 1914. They have no children.
Robert T. Pogue was born Aug. 25, 1883, and is married to Edna R. Penis-
ton, of Daviess County.
Mr. Pogue is president of the Gallatin High School Board, which office
he has held since 1918. He is a Democrat and a member of the Presby-
terian church, being an elder. Mr. Pogue is one of the substantial citi-
zens of Daviess County, standing high in the esteem of his community.
C. H. Everly, a well known and prosperous retired farmer of Gallatin,
was born in Marion Township, Dec. 1, 1858, a son of Wm. W. and Hannah
(Whitt) Everly.
Wm. W. Everly was born in Logan, Hocking County, Ohio, in 1825, and
in 1839 he came to Daviess County, locating on a farm in Grand River
Township. During the Civil War Mr. Everly served in the State Guards.
He died Sept. 7, 1869, on a farm in Grand River Township, now owned by
his son, C. H. Everly. Mr. and Mrs. Everly were the parents of five child-
ren. Mrs. Everly, the mother of C. H. Everly, died many years ago, and
Wm. W. Everly then married a widow, Mrs. Brown. They were the par-
ents of three daughters.
C. H. Everly was 11 years of age when his father died. He was edu-
390 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
cated in the district schools, his first school being in a log cabin. In 1878
he attended the state university. He then purchased 160 acres of prairie
land in Lincoln Township, where he made improvements and sold it the
following year. After this he bought the old home place in Grand River
Township, making extensive improvements. The nine room residence on
that farm burned in February, 1920.
Feb. 22, 1882, Mr. Everly was married to Mary E. Ashbrook, a native
of Jamesport Township, Daviess County, and daughter of David and
Pauline (Hill) Ashbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Everly were the pai-ents of five
children, one of whom is now living, William F. He resides on a farm in
Grand River Township. He married Alma B. Martin, of Iowa. They have
one child, Helen Elizabeth.
Mr. Everly says he remembers when his father ran a saw and grist
mill and used oxen to do his work around the mill. The farm-hands used
oxen to plow corn and Mr. Everly when a boy used to ride the oxen.
Mr. Everly, at the time he retired, was very successful as a cattle feed-
er. He owns 467 acres of land in Grand River Township, which is well im-
proved.
Mr. Everly is a Republican and a member of the Masonic Lodge. He
is a member of the Baptist church, having attended since he was 16 years
old. Mr. Everly was one of the organizers of the Gallatin Trust Company,
being director and vice-president for some time. He is a public spirited
and sub.stantial citizen, and stands high in the community.
Peter P. Doak, deceased, was a prominent farmer of Union Township
for many years. He was born in Sullivan County, Mo., Feb. 28, 1848.
Mr. Doak was reared on a farm and received his education in the
district schools. He came to Daviess County about 1878, and began teach-
ing school and preaching in the Methodist church. In 1884, he purchased
a farm in Union Township, where he made extensive improvements, and
lived until the date of his death in 1919.
Sept. 11, 1879, Mr. Doak was married to Lucretia Parker, a native of
Kentucky, who came to Missouri when she was one year old. She is the
daughter of James M. and Eliza (Lewis) Parker. Mrs. Parker now resides
in Union Township, her husband having died in 1910.
To the union of Peter P. and Lucretia Parker Doak six children were
born : Harry A., Union Township ; LeRoy, deceased ; Olin E., Monroe
Township ; Novia, Monroe Township ; Edgar, living with his mother ; and
a daughter that died in infancy.
Mr. Doak was elected probate .iudge of Daviess County, on the Demo-
cratic ticket in 1906, and held that office for eight years. Mrs. Doak owns
120 acres of land in Daviess County. Mr. Doak was a man of energy,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 391
strong purpose and industry. In his business affairs he was ever upright
and fair and in his work as a citizen he was the upholder of high standards.
Harry A. Doak, a well-to-do farmer and stockman of Union Township,
was born July 12, 1880, in Sheridan Township, Daviess County, a son of
Rev. Peter P. and Lucretia (Parker) Doak.
Harry Doak was educated in the district schools and Grand River
College at Gallatin. He then taught school for eight years, and was on
rural route No. 6, out of Gallatin, from 1906 to 1917. In 1910 he purchased
his present farm.
Mr. Doak was married September, 1910, to Sarah Tarwater, a daughter
of James P. and Josephine (Worley) Tarwater, now residing at Gallatin.
Mrs. Doak was born in Monroe Township, and was educated in the district
schools and the Maryville Normal School. She taught school for three
years.
To Mr. and Mrs. Doak five children have been born, as follows : Justin,
Lowell, Helen, Kenneth ; and Thomas E.
Mr. Doak now owns the farm originally owned by John L. Lewis. He
owns 162 acres of land in Union Township. His farm is known as "Alfalfa
Ridge Stock Farm." He has 30 acres in alfalfa which produces three to
four crops annually running from two and a half to four tons to the acre
the year. Mr. Doak is also a stock feeder. In 1917 Mr. Doak built a
cattle and hay barn which has a capacity of 100 tons, and is one of the
largest barns in Union Township.
Mr. Doak is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He
ranks as one of the leading and prosperous citizens of Union Township.
D. A. Blackburn, a well known farmer and stockman of Union Town-
ship, was born Jan. 4, 1875, in California, a son of Daniel and Mary
(Holmes) Blackburn.
Daniel Blackburn was born in Indiana, Feb. 2, 1846. He enlisted
in the Civil War, after which he came to Daviess County. He later went
to California, where he made his home for some time, returning to Daviess
County in 1877, where he purchased land. He now owns 450 acres of land
in Union Township and 80 acres in Monroe Township.
Daniel Blackburn and wife were the parents of seven children, as
follows: Blanch, the wife of Chas. Heckman, Denver, Colo.; D. A., the
subject of this sketch; Ora, the wife of George A. Jones, Julesburg, Colo.;
Cora, the wife of John L. Lewis, a farmer living near Gallatin ; Mrs. Jones
and Mrs. Lewis are twin sisters ; Vergia, the wife of M. J. Lankford,
Gallatin: Lewis, residing in Union Township: Alma, deceased.
Daniel Blackburn was elected twice to the office of judge in the south
district, and was serving his third term as presiding judge when he suffered
392 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
a stroke of paralysis, which left him unable to read, write or speak. Mt.
Blackburn now lives in Gallatin. His wife was a native of St. Louis, and
was born in 1842. Mr. Blackburn came from Indiana to Missouri, he
came by rail to Hamilton, and then took a stage coach to a point 14 miles
northeast. He stayed over night in a farm house that now stands on his
land. He is a Republican and a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic.
D. A. Blackburn was reared on his father's farm and received his edu-
cation in the district schools. He began farming when a very young man
and now rents his father's farm.
July 31, 1912, Mr. Blackburn was married to Maud Beck, a native of
Marion Township, Daviess County, and a daughter of Henry and Ella
(Roberts) Beck. Mr. and Mrs. Beck were natives of Ohio and Missouri
and are now living near Jameson.
To Mr. and Mrs. Blackburn four children have been born, as follows:
Doris, Evelyn, Melba, and Marvin, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Blackburn is a Republican and widely and favorably known in
Daviess County.
W. C. Macy, deceased, widely known in Daviess County, was born
July 24, 1849, near Edinburg, Mo., the son of Seth and Malinda (Adkinson)
Macy, natives of South Carolina and Sugar Creek, Mo.
W. C. Macy was a farmer and came to Daviess County when young
man, in 1865. He settled in Union Township. He carried on farming
during his entire life and became wealthy, at one time owning over 500
acres of land. He owned and conducted the marble works at Gallatin for
a time. In 1900 he moved to Gallatin, where he lived retired until his
death, July 20, 1921.
On Dec. 4, 1873, Mr. Macy was married to Mary E. Nichols, a native
of Licking County, Ohio, and a daughter of Samuel and Hannah (Wick-
ham) Nichols, natives of Licking County, who moved to Daviess County,
in 1854. Mrs. Macy was born Dec. 25, 1853, and is now residing in
Gallatin.
To W. C. Macy and wife, seven children were born, as follows: Ollie
E., the wife of Ezx-a Hamilton, Jackson Township, Daviess County ; Pearly,
Hanston, Kans., a rancher; Maggie B., the wife of Moren Knight, Jackson
Township, Daviess County; Ada N., deceased, was the wife of Charles
Hemry; Ida M., the wife of Everette McClaskey, Fresno, Calif.; Charity,
the wife of Homer Meade, Trenton ; Lena, the wife of Claude Cousins, St.
Joseph.
Mr. Macy was a Republican and served in the office of public adminis-
trator for four years. He also held other minor offices and while on the
in
■ ¥
^«^|
^L *'~.
^^m!^^ ^^^^^^^^1
^^^H^._ Mm
W. C. MACY
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 393
farm served on the district school board. In general farming and stock
raising, Mr. Macy was very successful. He was a member of the Indepen-
dent Order of Odd Fellows. He is buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin.
Mr. Macy was an estimable and upright citizen who deservedly stood high
in Daviess County.
J. Sam Harlow, a successful farmer and stockman of Monroe Town-
ship, was born Oct. 8, 1854, in Shelby County, Ky., a son of James and
Hulda Jane (Nichols) Harlow.
James Harlow was born in Kentucky, Feb. 16, 1824. He came to
Daviess County in 1867, locating on a farm in Monroe Township. His
wife was reared by her grandparents in Kentucky, her parents having
died when she was a very small child. She was educated in the schools of
Kentucky, later teaching in Shelby County, Ky. Mr. Harlow died April 18,
1882, in Monroe Township. He owned at the time of his death 300 acres
of land. He was one of the dependable farmers of Monroe Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Harlow were the parents of eight children, as follows:
J. W., Gallatin; J. Sam, the subject of this sketch; Linsley, Montgomery
County, Kans.; E. J., Monroe Township, J. P., Chillicothe; Wilmar G.,
Monroe Township ; the other two children died in infancy.
J. Sam Harlow was brought up on a farm and has always followed
farming. He was 12 years of age when his parents moved from Kentucky
to Daviess County. En route, they stopped at Livingston County, for a
short time.
Mr. Harlow farmed on his father's land until the age of 21 years,
when he rented land for himself. He later bought 40 acres of land in
Monroe Township, which he improved and later sold. He then purchased
a farm in Jackson Township and five years later he purchased one in
Liberty Township. In 1911 he bought the farm where he now resides
which is well improved.
March 2, 1875, Mr. Harlow was married to Lucy A. Shistine, a native
of Kentucky, born Aug. 18, 1851. She is the daughter of George and
Virginia (Mann) Shistine, natives of Kentucky who came to Missouri
before the Civil War. They settled in Livingston County, where they
owned a farm. Mr. Shistine died there and his wife died in Kansas.
Mr. and Mrs. Harlow are the parents of six children: Retta C, the
wife of Willard Folley, Princeton; Luetta, the wife of Wood Parker,
Liberty Township; Otta E., Union Township; Frank, Bourbon County,
Kans. ; Floyd, Grand River Township ; and Carl, living at home.
Mr. Harlow is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He
is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He owns
144 acres of land in Monroe Township, on which he is successfully engaged
394 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
in farming and stock raising. M. Harlow is a public spirited and pro-
gressive citizen and his family are prominent and well liked throughout
the township and county.
E. J. Harlow, a prominent farmer and breeder of Monroe Township,
was born Nov. 26, 1860, Shelby County, Ky., a son of James and Hulda
(Nichols) Harlow.
James Harlow was a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 16, 1824. He
moved to Daviess County in 1867, locating on a farm in Monroe Township.
His wife, Hulda Nichols, was born Nov. 30, 1828, near Kokomo, Ind., and
was reared by her grandparents in Kentucky, her parents having died
when she was a very young child. She was educated in Kentucky, later
teaching school in Shelby County, Ky. Mr. Harlow died April 18, 1882,
in Monroe Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Harlow were the parents of eight children, as follows:
J. W., Gallatin ; J. Sam, Monroe Township ; Linsley, Montgomery County,
Kans. ; E. J., the subject of this sketch ; J. P. Chillicothe ; Wllmer G.,
Monroe Township ; and two children who died in infancy.
E. J. Harlow came to Daviess County with his parents when he was
six years old. He was educated in the district schools, and has been a
farmer all his life. He, with his wife, inherited 200 acres of land, and
have made their home there since their marriage. Mr. Harlow has made
extensive improvements on the land, which is one of the best improved
farms in Monroe Township. He uses acetylene lights. Mr. Harlow has
been a breeder of Hereford Cattle and Percheron horses and jacks.
E. J. Harlow was married Jan. 23, 1881, to Mary A. Wilson, a daughter
of McClain and Abbie (Green) Wilson, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky,
who first settled in Ray County, Mo., and later came to Daviess County.
Mrs. Harlow was born on the farm where she now lives and which she
inherited. To Mr. and Mrs. Harlow six children have been born: George
Willard, a stock shipper, Hamilton ; Earl, at home ; Virgil, at home. The
two younger children are graduates of the Quincy and Kidder Schools ; the
three other children are deceased.
Mr. Harlow is a Democrat. He is a stock holder in the Gallatin Flour
Mill, and a director of the North Missouri Fair Association of Hamilton.
He is the owner of 746 acres of land in Monroe Township. Mr. Harlow
has made a success of stock raising and is one of the reliable and progres-
sive citizens of the county, energetic and far-sighted in his methods of
business and dependable in his dealings.
Floyd S. Tuggle, a prosperous farmer, stockman, legislator, and busi-
ness man of Union Township, Daviess County, was born in Caldwell County,
Feb. 17, 1885, a son of James and Victoria A. (Smith) Tuggle.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 395
James Tuggle was born in Daviess County, in 1853, the son of Judge
John A. and Marie (Hemry) Tuggle. Judge John A. Tuggle was born in
Kentucky, on July 5, 1807. His parents moved to Knox County,
Ky., where he was reared and educated. In 1839, he removed to Daviess
County, where he became engaged in farming in Monroe Township. He
was a large landholder. Judge Tuggle was elected judge of Daviess
County for two terms. To Judge John A. and Marie (Hemry) Tuggle six
children were born, as follows: George; Sarah ; James, father of the sub-
ject of this sketch ; Virginia; Thomas R. ; and Puss B. The Hemry family
was one of the prominent pioneer families of Daviess County. James
Tuggle moved to the northern part of Caldwell County after his marriage,
where he farmed until 1889, after which he purchased his present farm in
Union Township, now owned by his widow, Victoria A. Tuggle ; the farm
is located two miles southwest of Gallatin. James Tuggle made extensive
improvements on his land and became well-to-do. being a widely known
breeder of Hereford cattle. For many years, Mr. Tuggle was president
of the First National Bank of Gallatin. He was a Royal Arch Mason and
belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a Democrat.
Victoria A. (Smith) Tuggle was born in Ray County, Mo., and is now
living in Gallatin. Mr. Tuggle died April 19, 1909. To James and Vic-
toria A. (Smith) Tuggle only one child was born, Floyd S., the subject of
this sketch.
Floyd S. Tuggle was reared in a home of comfort and refinement and
attended the Grand River Academy at Gallatin, and in 1902 entered the
University of Missouri, from which he was graduated in 1906 with the
degree of Bachelor of Arts. After completing his education, Mr. Tuggle
lived for several months in Idaho, but on account of his father's poor
health he returned to Missouri to take charge of his father's land, where he
has since remained. Mr. Tuggle has been very succssful as a breeder of
pure bred Shorthorn cattle. He is the owner of 560 acres of well improved
land in Jackson Township, Daviess County, and operates 1050 acres. The
farni in Union Township, where he resides, is known as "Clover Lawn Stock
Farm," and is one of the veiy modern and attractive farms of Daviess
County.
In 1911 Mr. Tuggle was married to Miss Grace Anderson of Idaho.
She died April 18, 1913, leaving a son, James A. Tuggle. In 1916, Mr.
Tuggle was married to Helen Weiser, a native of Daviess County, and a
daughter of Fred and Flora N. (Parks) Weiser, also natives of Daviess
County. Mr. Weiser now lives in Gallatin. To. Mr. and Mrs. Tuggle has
been born one child, Jane Ann, born in February, 1920.
Mr. Tuggle is a member of the Baptist church, and is a Mason. He
396 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
is a director of the First National Bank of Gallatin, and of the Young
Men's Christian Association. He is also a member of the Gallatin Com-
mercial Club. Mr. Tuggle has been interested in Democratic politics and
economic questions, upon which he is well informed. In 1910 he was
elected to the state legislature and served during four sessions. He has
served on the Appropriations Committee, the Committee on Roads and
Highways, the Committee on Education, and was chairman on the Com-
mittee on Agriculture. During the World War Mr. Tuggle was County
Food Administrator and was chairman of the Counsel of Defense.
Because of his efficiency in office and his interest in public affairs, Mr.
Tuggle is ranked among the substantial citizens of Daviess County. He
merits the esteem in which he is held in his community.
E. T. Lankford, a successful farmer and stockman of Monroe Town-
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 200 acres of well improved land, was
born Nov. 25, 1877, in Daviess County, a son of E. S. and Cyntha J. (Cox)
Lankford.
E. T. Lankford grew up on the farm. He received his education in
the public schools of Monroe Township, and also attended Grand River
College. For 25 years he was associated with his father in general farm-
ing and stock raising. He later became heir to about 80 acres of land. He
at present owns a very fine farm, well improved.
Mr. Lankford was married Oct. 20, 1907, to Alma A. Morris, a daugh-
ter of Washington and Anna (Lydick) Morris. Mr. Lankford was born
near Gallatin. Mrs. Morris now resides with her daughter, Mrs. Lank-
ford. Mr. and Mrs. Lankford have no children.
Mr. Lankford is a Democrat, and has held the offices of clerk and
assessor. He is a member of the Baptist church, and an energetic man
who stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.
E. S. Lankford, deceased, was a prominent farmer of Monroe Town-
ship, Daviess County. At the time of his death he owned 240 acres of
well improved land. Mr. Lankford was born July 3. 1851, in Monroe
Township. His parents were Thomas and Rebecca (Barnes) Lankford,
who were the parents of four children, four of whom ai'e now living:
Rebecca Roswell, Hamilton; Lee Ann, the wife of Benjamin Cox, Hamilton;
Wiley, Graham and Thomas, Wathena, Kans. Thomas Lankford was born
in Kentucky and came to Missouri when a very young man, settling in
Monroe Township, where he died. His wife was also a native of Kentucky.
E. S. Lankford grew up on a farm and was engaged in farming and
stockraising during his entire life. He was educated in the district schools.
When a young man he became heir to some land, and later purchased part
of the home place in 1875. During his early life he was a cattle feeder.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 397
Mr. Lankford was married April 16, 1870, to Cynthia J. Cox, a native
of Monroe Township, born Feb. 22, 1853. She was the daughter of
Edward and Marinda (Osborn) Cox, natives of Daviess and Jacksan
Counties. Mr. Cox was a soldier during the Civil War, and died from ill-
ness contracted while in the army. Mr. and Mrs. Cox were the parents
of seven children, of whom Mrs. Lankford was the second oldest.
To E. S. Lankford and wife six children were born: Lucy, deceased,
was the wife of Harry Muller; Willard, Caldwell County; Carrie, living
with her mother on the old home place; Edward T., Monroe Township;
Marion, Gallatin ; and a child who died in infancy.
E. S. Lankford was a Democrat, and held many township offices. In
1892 he was elected sheriff of Daviess County; which office he held until
1894. In 1910 he was elected judge of the southern district of the county,
and held that office for six years. He helped organize and was a stock-
holder in the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.
Mrs. Lankford is a member of the Baptist church and lives in Monroe
Township where she owns 80 acres of land.
Mr. Lankford died March 24, 1921. He was a man of integrity, a
believer in progressive methods in his work and always ready to support
the best interests of his community.
H. C. Scott, the capable and well known deputy state oil inspector of
Gallatin, was born in Harrison Township, Grundy County, May 31, 1870,
a son of Charles W., and Sallie (Thornbrough) Scott.
Charles W. Scott was born in Daviess County, three miles southeast
of Gallatin, Aug. 2, 1833. He was the son of John and Miss (Meeks)
Scott, natives of Virginia, who came to Daviess County in 1833. They
made the trip with oxen and settled on a farm after their arrival. After
one year they removed to Grundy County, near Edinburg. In 1850 John
Scott with his son, Charles W., started across the plains with a party to the
gold fields. On the trip John Scott died from cholera. His wife died in
1840. Charles W. Scott, father of the subject of this sketch, went on with
the trip after his fathers' death. He returned to Grundy County in 1853.
During the trip he made about $3,000, which was considered a great deal
of money at that time. In 1861 he again made the trip across the plains
with his wife. They returned to Missouri in 1864. They remained in
Grundy County until their deaths. At the time of his death, December,
1918, Mr. Scott owned 420 acres of land, including the 100 acres he entered
from Government many years ago, which he had sold and later purchased
again. During the Civil War he served for ten months in the State
Guards. Mrs. Scott was born in Alabama, Jan. 22, 1837, and died in 1911.
398 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
She was about a year old when her parents moved to Grundy County. Mr.
Scott was a Republican and a member of the Methodist church.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Scott were the parents of nine children,
seven of whom are now living, as follows: Eaura, deceased, was the wife
of George Drummond; Flora, the wife of Charles Bowman, Brimson;
Hannah, deceased, was the wife of J. P. Lynch ; Lottie, the wife of L.
W. Shaw, Grundy County; Charles S., Oklahoma; Thomas J., Phoenix,
Ariz.; B. E., Trenton; Portor, Brimton ; H. C, the subject of this sketch.
H. C. Scott was reared on his father's farm and received his education
in the district schools and the Trenton High School. In 1893 he came to
Gallatin, and became engaged in the mercantile business. In 1904 he
rented a farm in Union Township, and while engaged in farming he was
nominated on the Republican ticket for county recorder, but was defeated.
Mr. Scott gave up fanning in 1906, and was engaged in the Farmers Store
as a clerk. In 1910 he was appointed deputy oil inspector under Gover-
nor Hadley's administration. He served in this capacity for six months,
after which he clerked in the farmers store at Gallatin. Jan. 1, 1917 he
resigned and took up farming, buying 77 acres of land in Sheridan Town-
ship, which he sold in 1919. While farming he was nominated and elected
circuit clerk of Daviess County, which office he held until Aug. 16, 1821.
After resigning this office he was appointed deputy state oil inspector,
which office he now holds. His son, Wilson Scott, was appointed by
Governor Hyde to fill the unexpired term of his father.
July 2, 1898, Mr. Scott was married to Lulu T. Frazier. a daughter of
Dr. James C. and Laura (Wilson) Frazier, natives of Randolph County,
and Kentucky. Mrs. Scott was born in Bedford, Mo., July 4, 1879. Dr.
Frazier was a prominent physician at Gallatin for a number of years,
having come to Missouri in 1888. He died in 1912, and his widow is now
living with her children.
■ To Mr. and Mrs. Scott eight children have been born, as follows:
Wilson, county circuit clerk of Daviess County, a graduate of the high
school at Gallatin, and was a student at Missouri University for two years ;
Huella, the wife of Gilmer Barnett, Gallatin ; Anna Laura, at home, a
teacher in the district schools ; Elsie, at home ; James, at home, Frances, at
home ; Katherine, at home ; and Robert, at home.
Mr. Scott is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and has
an extensive acquaintance throughout the county.
Archibald S. Youtsey, Jr., and Eben Estes Youtsey, brothers and
prominent farmers and stockmen of Union Township, Daviess County, are
both natives of Missouri. They were the sons of Archibald S. and Marie
Elizabeth (George) Youtsey. Archibald S. Youtsey, Jr., was born on
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 399
Dec. 10, 1869, and Eben Estes Youtsey was born on March 29, 1873. They
were both born in Union Township, Daviess County, on the farm where they
now reside.
Archibald Smith Youtsey, Sr., was born in Campbell County, Ky.,
Dec. 10, 1816, the son of Adam Youtsey and Katherine (Smith) Youtsey.
Adam Youtsey was born Feb. 16, 1783, and died Sept. 16, 1821. His wife
was the daughter of Ebenezer Smith, who was born Feb. 16, 1750, and
died Feb. 20, 1833. The Youtsey family first appeared in this country in
Maryland, then in Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. In the winter of 1834,
Archibald Smith Youtsey went to Indiana, where he remained until the fall
of 1838, when he removed to Missouri, settling in Daviess County, in a log
cabin, where he became engaged in farming and stock raising, and taught
one of the first schools in Union Township. Mr. Youtsey was one of the
prominent and successful farmers of Daviess County, and at his death, in
1887, was a large land holder. Archibald S. Youtsey, Sr., made two trips
from Daviess County, to Cincinnati, Ohio, on horseback, the first one being
in 1838, and the other in 1840.
On June 4, 1850, Archibald S. Youtsey, Sr., was married to Marie
Elizabeth George, a native of Kentucky, born Feb. 9, 1834. She was the
daughter of Chandler Lee George, a native of Virginia, and Mary Ann
George, who was also a native of Virginia. Chandler Lee George was
born in 1804 and died in 1881. His wife was born in 1814 and died in 1873.
To Archibald Smith and Marie Elizabeth (George) Youtsey, 14 children
were born, as follows: Mary R. W., born March 31. 1851; Obediaha S.,
born May 24, 1852; Adam F., born Jan. 1, 1854; Medora E., born Jan. 8,
1856, died Aug., 7, 1885; Elizabeth M., born Jan. 29, 1858, died in 1906;
Phena L., born May 27, 1859 ; Edward T., born Aug. 4, 1861 ; Nannie E.,
born May 14, 1868, died in 1897 ; Archibald S. Jr., born Dec. 10, 1869 ; Eben
Estes, born March 29, 1873; Edith W., born July 11, 1876; Christina T.,
born Aug. 19, 1879, died Sept. 7, 1880. Mrs. Youtsey died in 1914.
A. S. and E. E. Youtsey, the subjects of this sketch, were educated
in the district schools, and have lived all their lives in Union Township.
They operate the old home farm of 160 acres, which is one of the well
improved and fine farms in Daviess County. The three Youtsey brothers,
A. S., E. E., and E. T. are now operating together 1400 acres of land in
Daviess County. The farming is all done by modern methods, except the
tractor.
Messrs. Youtsey are both Democrats and members of the Christian
church. They are unmarried. They are highly respected and among the
most substantial citizens of Daviess County. The Youtsey family ranks
among the leading representative people of Mi.ssouri.
400 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
J. W. Allsup, deceased, was a pioneer citizen of Daviess County, born
Dec. 15, 1840, in Jackson County, Ind. He was educated in the district
schools of Indiana and studied to be a surevyor.
In 1862 Mr. Allsup enlisted for service in the Civil War at Indianapolis,
Ind., and served in Company G, 17th Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He en-
listed with 22 young men from his school district and he and another com-
rade were the only survivors. He was in many battles and skirmishes and
carried the flag into Atlanta, Ga., when that city was taken. He was
wounded, being shot through the wrist, and at another time, his horse fell
from a bridge, crushing his hip, which bothered him during the remainder
of his life.
After serving four years in the army Mr. Allsup taught school in In-
diana for one year; he then moved to Moultrie County, 111., where he lived
until 1882. He then came to Daviess County, Mo., and located on a farm,
where he resided until his death, Nov. 20, 1916. His farm was known as
the Covington Farm. At the time of his death, Mr. Allsup owned 200
acres of well improved land in Monroe Township.
Jan 25, 1866, Mr. Allsup was married to Mary Elizabeth Megahey, a
native of Kentucky, born Dec. 11, 1845. She died March 10, 1878. Mr.
and Mrs. Allsup were the parents of nine children, of whom four are
deceased. Those living are : Electra, now a widow living in Monroe Town-
ship, on a part of the old home place; L. G., Des Moines, la.; Pearl, resid-
ing on the home farm ; John W., Jr., Camden County, Mo. ; Eva May, resid-
ing on the home farm.
Pearl and Eva May Allsup live together on the home farm in Monroe
Township, and own 160 acres of land. Miss Pearl Allsup taught school for
one year in District No. 89, Monroe Township. They are both very enter-
prising and progressive women, and are widely known in Daviess County.
Mr. Allsup was a staunch Republican and a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic. He was well educated, and one of the successful
and prominent men of Monroe Township.
J. F. Dunnington. a leading farmer and stockman of Monroe Town-
ship, and owner of 205 acres of well improved land, was born Oct. 18, 1848,
in Harrison Township, Daviess County, a son of William P. and Elizabeth
(Osborn) Dunnington.
William P. Dunnington was a native of Maryland, born in 1817. When
a very young man he left home and settled in Virginia, later going to
Kentucky. He then came to Daviess County, where he located in Harrison
Township on the farm where he died April 11, 1894. He was the son of
James and Sarah (Payne) Osborne. Elizabeth (Osborn) Dunnington was
born in Clay County, Mo., in 1822, a daughter of William and Sarah
i
J. W. AT.T.SI'P
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 401
(Grooms) Osborn. Mr. and Mrs. Osborn were among the pioneers of
Daviess County, who braved the attacks of the Indians and Mormons in
the early days. It was also common to see bears throughout this part of
the country then. Mrs. Dunnington died in 1874.
To William P. and Elizabeth (Osborn) Dunnington were born ten
children, seven of whom are now living: J. F., the subject of this sketch;
Coleman, Harrison Township ; Mark, Harrison Township ; Amanda, Har-
rison Township ; Joseph S. and Richard H., living in the state of Wash-
ington.
J. F. Dunnington grew to manhood on his father's farm. In 1876 he
purchased his present farm, moving from Harrison Township, in 1878.
His farm is modern in every respect, and he has been very successful in
general farming and stock raising.
On Dec. 27, 1874, Mr. Dunnington was married to Johanna Worley,
a daughter of Daniel Worley. Mrs. Dunnington was born in Williams
County, Ohio, Feb. 13, 1852. Mr. Worley came to Missouri after the
Civil War.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunnington were the parents of ten children, as follows:
Albert, Union Township ; William, Pueblo, Colo. ; Lena, the wife of William
O'Toole, Alamosa, Colo. ; Charles, Cameron ; Elmer, deceased ; Frank, Colo-
rado; Vernice, the wife of Charles Franks, Sheridan Township; Bernice,
the wife of Harry Temple, Montana ; Mary, the wife of Kenneth Clark.
Lawrence, Kans. ; Thomas, living at home. Vernice and Bernice are
twins. Mrs. Dunnington died Aug. 14, 1914.
Mr. Dunnington is a Republican and takes an active interest in local
affairs, having served on the school board, district No. 88, ever since he
came to Monroe Township. He is a reliable man in his community who has
attained success by hard work and perseverence.
Milton Trosper, a prominent farmer and stockman of Monroe Town-
ship, was born in Caldwell County, May 25, 1858, a son of Benjamin and
Mary C. (Groves) Trosper.
Benjamin Trosper was born Dec. 1, 1828, in Kentucky. During the
Civil War he was a soldier in the Confederate Army. When a very young
man he came to Caldwell County, where he engaged in farming and stock
raising during his entire life. He died in 1868. Benjamin and Mary C.
(Groves) Trosper were the parents of eight children. Later Mrs. Trosper
married Louis Brooks, and is now residing in Creigmont, Idaho. Four
children were born to this union.
Milton Trosper was educated in the district schools and has followed
farming and stock raising all his life. He purchased his present farm in
1902 and has made extensive improvements. He now owns 401 acres, and
402 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
is widely known as a breeder and feeder of Duroc Jersey hogs and Short-
horn cattle.
Mr. Trosper was married the first time to Sarah J. Lankford, who was
born in Daviess County, Aug. 7, 1855. She died in 1912. To Milton and
Sarah J. (Lankford) Trosper four children were born: Thomas B., de-
ceased ; Martin, Caldwell County ; Grace, the wife of Benjamin Rogers,
Caldwell County ; Fay, the wife of Orva Brewer, Caldwell County.
Mr. Trosper was married the second time to Fannie (Gebhard) Buell,
March 29, 1915. She was born in Union County, Pa., Sept. 27, 1881, and
moved to Kansas when she was four months old with her parents. She
was reared in Brown County, and was married the first time to George
Buell. To George and Fannie (Gebhard) Buell two children were born:
Georgia married Virgil Wynne, Gallatin, and LeVeta living with her
mother. Mrs. Trosper moved to Daviess County in 1914.
Milton Trosper is a Democrat and a stockholder in the Nettleton Bank
of Nettleton, Mo., and also the Farmers Mercantile and Trade Company.
He is a member of the Methodist church and is recognized as a dependable
citizen of Daviess County.
Fred L. Pierce, a successful farmer and stockman of Monroe Town-
ship, and owner of 200 acres of well improved land, was born Jan. 29, 1871,
in Tippecanoe County, Ind., a son of Richard Carter and Sarah Ann (Lee)
Pierce.
Richard C. Pierce was born in Ohio, Aug. 17, 1828. He was a physi-
cian and surgeon and preached in the Methodist church for more than 60
years. In 1883 he went west and settled at Iowa Point, Kans., where he
practice medicine. He later moved to Leona, Kan., and in 1892, engaged
in the drug business at Atchison, Kans. After several years Mr. Pierce
came to Gallatin to make his home with his children. He also lived in
Breckenridge for 10 or 12 years. He died at Gallatin March 13, 1913.
Mrs. Pierce was born Aug. 12, 1829, in West Virginia, and died March 24,
1915. She was a cousin of Robert E. Lee of Confederate fame. Mr. and
Mrs. Pierce are buried at Gallatin. Richard Pierce's father was William
Pierce, a native of Ohio. He died at the age of 90 years in Indiana, the
result of an accident, a tree falling on him.
To Richard Carter and Sarah Ann (Lee) Pierce ten children were
born, as follows: Wiley W., deceased; Isaac D., Gallatin; Ed S., Gallatin;
Flora, deceased, was the wife of Loren Patterson; Hattie, deceased, was
the wife of John Patterson ; Charles C, Stephens, Ark. ; Geo. W., Dallas,
Texas ; Lewis J., Indianapolis, Ind. ; and Fred L., the subject of this sketch,
and one son who died in infancy. Isaac and Ed Pierce are both blind.
Fred L. Pierce was reared on a farm in Indiana and received his educa-
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 403
tion in the district schools and Leona, Kans., High School. For ten years
he worked as a farm hand, and in December, 1896, he came to Missouri with
his wife and two children. They made the trip in a covered wagon with a
team of horses and Mr. Pierce had but 90 cents. They settled in Gallatin,
and he worked at hauling wood to town. The following spring he rented
land in Liberty Township where he carried on farming. He purchased
his present farm in 1899, on which he has made extensive improvements.
He is a well known breeder of Poland China hogs, and a fancier of fine
stock, especially mules.
Mr. Pierce was married Jan. 30, 1893, to Addie Brant, a daughter of
William and Sarah (Schaen) Brant, natives of Germany, who settled in
Ohio in 1846 and later, in 1881, came to Kansas. Mr. and Mrs. Brant were
the parents of seven children, of whom Mrs. Pierce was the youngest ; she
was born Sept. 30, 1872, in Seneca County, Ohio. To Fred L. and Addie
(Brant) Pierce eight children were born, as follows: Lee R. ; Lloyd F. ;
Walter H. ; Mary M. ; Olive B. ; Mildred R. ; Bessie P. ; John M. ; all of the
children are living at home, except Lee R., who lives in Gallatin, and are
very well educated.
Mr. Pierce is a Republican and has clerked more sales than any other
man in the county. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is an energetic man
who stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.
Seth Macy, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of
Monroe Township, was born July 12, 1886, in Union Township, Daviess
County, a son of Perry and Ollie (Critten) Macy, who now reside in Union
Township.
Mr. Seth Macy was educated in the district schools and the Kidder
Institute, Kidder, Mo. After finishing his education he engaged in farm-
ing. During one winter he and his father fed 1800 sheep, as they were
engaged in stock raising.
In March 1915, Mr. Macy was married to Mattie Weldon, of Harrison
Township, a daughter of J. H. and Amanda (Ramsbottom) Weldon. Mr.
and Mrs. Weldon are now retired and are living in Gallatin. Mrs. Macy is
a graduate of the public schools of Gallatin.
Mr. and Mrs. Macy are the paren!s of two children, Mary Elizabeth
and James Weldon.
When Mr. Macy married he settled on the home farm for one year,
and then moved to his present farm. In 1918 he erected a modern bun-
galow. He handles and feeds a great many cattle. Mr. Macy now operates
540 acres of land. He also owns 160 acres of well improved land in Union
Township. The farm on which he resides with his family contains 80
404 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
acres. He is a stockholder of the Farmers Mercantile Company of Gallatin.
Mr. Macy is a member of the Methodist Church and the Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons. He is a Democrat and one Of the substantial citi-
zens of Monroe Township and Daviess County.
Perry Macy, a prominent and successful farmer and stockman of
Union Township, was born Oct. 25, 1865, on the farm where he still resides.
He is a son of Seth and Malinda (Atkinson) Macy.
Seth Macy was born in Indiana and later came to Grundy County,
Mo., where he lived for a while, later buying his present farm. At the
time of his death he was a large property owner. Upon his father's
death. Perry Macy became heir to 565 acres of land and has since that time
acquired 171 acres. He has 75 acres of heavy timber.
Mr. and Mrs. Seth Macy were the parents of four children; W. C,
deceased ; Samantha, deceased, was the wife of James Critten of Jackson
Township; Naoma F., deceased, was the wife of C. K. Gwinn; and Perry
Macy, the subject of this sketch.
Perry Macy was married to Ollie E. Critten, a native of Daviess
County. Mr. and Mrs. Macy were the parents of the following children:
Seth, Monroe Township, whose sketch appears in this volume ; Ina,
deceased, was married to W. C. Wynne ; Icy, educated in Lexington, Center
College; Randolph, Macon College in Virginia, also a graduate of Chicago
University and a graduate of Yale, with Ph. D. degree and a degree at
Boulder, Colo., now teacher of Chemistry in Berkley, Calif. ; and Robert
at home.
Mr. Macy is a Democrat and has served on the township board. He
is a member of the Methodist church. He has been a director in the Gall-
atin Co-operative store for three years. Mr. Macy does general farming
and is a well known breeder of Aberdeen cattle. He is a good farmer and
stockman and successful manager.
William Ramsbottom, deceased, who was a prominent citizen of
Daviess County, was born March 17, 1845, in Liberty Township, this
county, the son of Obadiah and Matildia (Hemery) Ramsbottom, natives
of England and Ohio, and among the first settlers of Daviess County.
Obadiah Ramsbottom was born in Yorkshire, near Leeds, England,
March 3, 1814. His father was a manufacturer of clothing and when
Obadiah Ramsbottom finished school he went in business with his father.
In 1840 he came to this country and settled in New York City for a short
time, later coming to Daviess County, where he settled on a farm near
Gallatin, remaining there until 1865. He then moved to Harrison Town-
ship, where he owned a well improved farm of 480 acres, at the time of his
death.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 405
Mr. Ramsbottom was married Jan. 15, 1844, to Matilda Hemery, a
native of Oiiio. She was born March 17, 1822. Ten children were born
to this union, as follows: William, the subject of this sketch; John, de-
ceased; Julia Ann, now Mrs. E. M. Folley, Jr., Monroe Township; Sarah
Jane, deceased; Angeline, deceased; Thomas, Monroe Township; Amanda,
now Mrs. J. H. Weldon. Gallatin; Ruth, Gallatin; Charles Pittsburg, Pa.
William Ramsbottom was a farmer during his entire life. He served
in the Missouri State Militia for three months, Co., C, 33 Reg. In 1886 he
moved to Baner County, Neb., and became engaged in stock raising and
farming. Later, in 1898 he moved to Columbus County, and there lived
until 1909, when he returned to Gallatin, and in 1920 he returned to his
farm in Harrison Township, where he died, Jan. 19, 1921. At the time of
his death he owned 222 acres of land.
Mr. Ramsbottom was a Republican, and a member of the Baptist
church, being deacon of his church for 40 years. He helped to organize
a church in Nebraska, and also helped to build one in North Carolina. Mr.
Ramsbottom was one of the substantial members of the church at Gallatin,
and at his death was member of the Lick Fork church.
William Ramsbottom was married Sept. 3, 1888, to Abbie Lowe, a
native of DeKalb County, born Mar. 15, 1870. She was the daughter of
Wm. and Martha Ray Lowe, natives of England and Missouri.
William Ramsbottom and wife were the parents of four children ;
Ethel, a graduate of Grand River College, and the Southern Baptist Train-
ing School at Louisville, Ky. She is a missionary worker and has been
stationed in China for the past two years, in Tsinan Shantung Province;
James H., born in Baner County, Neb., July 7, 1892. He is a graduate of
William Jewell College, Liberty, and one of the first seven men to leave in
the draft during the World War, was sent to Camp Funston, and stationed
there until May, 1919, with Co. C, 356 Inf., 89th Division, was in active ser-
vice overseas, taking part in the St. Milhiel, and the Meuse-Argonne drives,
and during the Meuse-Argonne drive he was shot through the chest, Nov.
3, 1918, and remained in a hospital until his discharge April 19, 1919, when
he returned home, and is now associated with his family in general farm-
ing, and during the war he was promoted from corporal to sergeant ; John
Ray, a high school teacher at Lock Springs, is a graduate of William
Jewell College, Liberty ; Marguerite Ruth, teacher in the home district
school, is a graduate of Grand River College, and student for two years at
Stephens College. She was born in Columbus County, N. C.
The Ramsbottom family are well known and highly respected through-
out the country. At the time of his death Mr. Ramsbottom had many
406 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
friends and was known as a hospitable and genial citizen, whose purse
strings were always unloosed to the needy.
J. H. Weldon, a retired farmer and owner of 1800 acres of land in
Daviess and Livingston Counties, was born Feb. 28, 1858, in Harrison
Township, Daviess County, a son of J. B. and Elizabeth (Gillilan) Weldon.
J. B. Weldon was born in Kentucky and went west in 1849, crossing
the plains and mountains with oxen. He returned by water around Cape
Horn, and settled in Harrison Township, where he took up farming and
stock raising. At the time of his death he was the owner of several hun-
dred acres of land in Daviess County. He died at the age of 30 years. Mr.
and Mrs. Weldon were the parents of three childi-en ; Benedict, who died
in infancy ; J. H., the subject of this sketch ; Charity A., wife of J. G.
Lawson, Harrison Township.
Mrs. J. B. Weldon then married Humphries Weldon, a brother of J.
B. Weldon, her former husband, and to this union two children were born:
Mary L., deceased; Ella E., wife of T. T. Hale, Monroe Township. Mrs.
Weldon was married the third time to G. W. Gillilan, and one daughter
was born to this union, Cora, wife of Abe Higgins, Gilman City.
J. H. Weldon was reared on a farm and attended the district schools.
Jan. 2, 1883, Mr. Weldon was married to Amenda Ramsbottom, a daughter
of Obediah and Matilda (Hemry) Ramsbottom, both deceased. Mr. and
Mrs. Ramsbottom were among the early settlers of Daviess County. Mr.
and Mrs. Weldon are the parents of three children, as follows: Matilda E.,
wife of Seth Macy, Monroe Township, Mr. and Mrs. Macy have two child-
ren, Mary E. and James W.; Floyd J., Harrison Township, husband of
Mary G. Seay. They have two children, Chas. F. and James C. ; Loyd C,
Harrison Township, husband of Helen Hamilton. They have one child,
Lloyd H.
Mr. Weldon moved to Gallatin in 1907. He now is the owner of five
farms in Daviess County, all of which are well improved. He is also a
stock feeder. Mr. Weldon is a stockholder of the Farmers Exchange Bank,
and was collector of Harrison Township for a time. At present he is look-
ing after his farming interests, which are many.
Mr. Weldon is identified with the Democratic party and is a member
of the Masonic lodge. He is a citizen who can always be depended upon,
and one who has been successful because of his energy and perserverance.
Lloyd C. Weldon, a well known farmer and stockman of Harrison
Township, was born Nov. 26, 1894, at Breckenridge, Mo., a son of James
H. and Amanda (Ramsbottom) Weldon. He is a twin brother of Floyd
J. Weldon, and they operate about 800 acres of land together in Harrison
Township.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 407
Mr. Weldon was educated in the same schools with his brother, being
a graduate of high school and Park College at Parkville, Mo. He also
attended the University of Missouri.
April 29, 1920, Mr. Weldon was married to Helen Clark Hamilton,
born in Parkville, a daughter of A. C. and Katie M. (Clark) Hamilton,
natives of Cleveland, Ohio, and Salisbury, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton
were among the early settlers of Piatt County, and now reside at Park-
ville. Mrs. Weldon was educated in Park College.
Mr. and Mrs. Weldon have one child, Lloyd Hamilton. Lloyd C. was
inducted into service in the World War on Sept. 19, 1917. He trained at
Camp Funston and also one month at Newport News, Va., before sailing
for overseas April 6, 1918. He was with Headquarters Company, 4th In-
fantry Regiment, 3rd Division. He took part in the following battles:
Champagne, Marne, Meuse-Argonne and St. Milheil. He was known as a
runner on the front lines and was later made Regimental Clerk at head-
quarters. He was discharged from service Aug. 30, 1919, as a corporal.
He then returned home and began farming the home property again with
his brother, Floyd.
Mr. Weldon is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church and his
wife is a member of the Presbyterian church. He is a member of the
Masonic lodge. Like his brother, Floyd, Mr. Weldon is progressive, and
they both have an extensive acquaintance in Harrison Township.
Floyd J. Weldon, a prominent farmer and stockman of Harrison Town-
ship, Daviess County, was born Nov. 26, 1894, in Breckenridge, Mo., a son
of James H. and Amanda (Ramsbottom) Weldon.
Mr. Weldon was educated in the public schools and is a graduate of
Park College at Parkville. He also attended the University of Missouri
for two years. During the summers he farmed on his fathers' land.
In 1917 Mr. Weldon began farming with his brother Lloyd on the home
farm. Oct. 15, 1918, he was married to Mary G. Seay, a daughter of
George E. and Barbara Ellen (Grace) Seay, natives of Livingston County,
Mo. Mrs. Weldon was born at Chillicothe. Mrs. Seay died Jan. 10, 1919,
at the age of 44 years. Mr. Seay now resides at Chillicothe, and is a grain
inspector.
Mr. and Mrs. Weldon are the parents of two children: Charles Frank-
lin and James Seay.
Mr. Weldon is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He
is also a member of the Masonic lodge. Mr. Weldon is a reliable young man
and highly esteemed in his community.
408 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
W. p. Townsend, a retired farmer, and owner of 76 acres of land in
Harrison Township, was born July 9, 1834, in Claibourne County, Tenn.,
a son of George and Elizabeth (Long) Townsend, who were natives of
England and Holland, respectively.
On March 31, 1855, W. P. Townsend was married to Telitha Lay, who
was born in Green County, Tenn., Feb. 4, 1839. She died Sept. 4, 1906.
To this union 11 children were born, as follows: John N., Monroe Township;
Mary, deceased was the wife of John W. Wantland; William, deceased;
Joseph, Denver, Colo. ; George A., Kansas City ; Levi M., Harrison Town-
ship; Clinton W., Bakersfield, Cal., who served and was wounded in the
Spanish American War, a member of Company H., 20th Kansas Regiment;
Forrest, deceased; James A., Marion, Kans. ; Luther M., living with his
father; Charlie, Kansas City, Mo., who enlisted in the W(irld War and
served with Company F, 12th Engineers, and was gassed. Mr. Townsend
has 33 grandchildren and 37 great grandchildren.
W. P. Townsend was reared in Tennessee, and in 1857, he with his
wife and one child walked from Tennesse to Clay County, 111., making the
long trip in a little over a month. After arriving in Illinois, Mr. Townsend
began working as a farm hand, and later became the owner of 80 acres of
land there.
He enlisted in the Civil War at Greenville, III, on Aug. 7, 1862, and was
assigned to Company F, 130 Regiment Illinois Infantry. His first battle
was at Port Gibson ; then followed Magnolia Hills ; Champion Hills ; Jack-
son, Miss. ; Black River Bottom ; Black River Bridge and a number of skir-
mishes until the Siege of Vicksburg. He was taken prisoner April 6,
1864, at Sabin Cross Roads and was in a Confederate prison 13 months and
20 days. He was twice wounded, at Vicksburg and Sabin Cross Roads.
He was discharged June 17, 1865, and mustered out of service July 6.
1865. He then returned to Illinois and in 1867, went to Marion County,
where he farmed until 1878, when he came to Harrison Township, Daviess
County, where he has since made his home.
In 1860 Mr. Townsend made a trip from Illinois to Daviess County,
driving oxen and was on the road from April 7th to May 7th. On the
return trip he stopped along the way and hunted, as the country was full
of game. Joseph I. Early and his wife returned to Illinois with Mr. and
Mrs. Townsend.
Mr. Townsend is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R. He was
commissioner of highways in Illinois and has served on the school board in
Illinois and Harrison Township. He is a member of the Baptist church.
Mr. Townsend is a self educated man, never having attended school in his
life. He learned to read and write while in the army.
W . r, Ti i\\ N.SK.XI I
HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 409
Benedict W. Patrick, a prominent farmer and stockman of Harrison
Township, Daviess County, is a native of Missouri. He was born in Living-
ston County, July 28, 1874, a son of John and Ann (Weldon) Patrick, both
also natives of Missouri.
John Patrick was born in Livingston County in 1831 and was killed in
Texas in 1875. His wife died in May, 1920 at the age of 74 years. They
were the parents af three children as follows: Lucy, married Fred Walker
and they live in Harrison Township ; Lena, married William Kline, Walsen-
burg, Colo. ; and Benedict W., the subject of this sketch.
Benedict W. Patrick was reared on a farm in Harrison Township and
attended the district school. When a young man be bought 40 acres of
land which was the small beginning of his present large holdings. He
bought more land from time to time until he is now the owner of 500 acres.
Mr. Patrick's splendid residence is one of the attractive homes of
Daviess County. He started its construction in 1921, and without doubt it
is one of the finest modern farm residences in the state. The house has
ten rooms and basement, a complete water system, with hot and cold run-
ning water, both hard and soft water being supplied. The hard water is
pumped from a 14 foot well which is located one-fourth mile west of the
house, by an electric pump which is operated by a motor which is located
in the basement. The house is built of pressed faced brick, lined with
hollow tile and the design of the building is of the Colonial architecture
type. It presents a magnificient appearance. The place is located four
and one-half miles north of Breckenridge which is the nearest shipping
point.
Mr. Patrick was married on Dec. 17, 1897 to Miss Edith Bennett, a
daughter of R. F. and Frances (Maddox) Bennett, natives of Daviess
and Caldwell Counties, respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Patrick have been
born two children as follows: Frances who was educated in Breckenridge
High School, Central College, at Lexington, Mo., and the University of
Missouri at Columbia; and John, who is at home.
Mr. Patrick is one of Daviess County's successful men and attributes
no small amount of whatever success that has come to him to able co-opera-
tion and assistance of his capable wife. He is a Democrat and says that he
is the only man in the county who has always voted the ticket straight.
He is one of the dependable men of Daviess County .
G. W. Ridinger, prominent farmer and breeder of Harrison Township,
was born in Brown County, 111., March 23, 1861, a son of James F. and
Diana (Vance) Ridinger. James F. Ridinger, father of the subject of this
sketch, was born in Ohio, Nov. 15, 1824. He enlisted in the Civil War
from Scuyler County, 111., becoming a member of Co. H, 56 Vol. Inf., and
410 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
served throughout the war. He was with Sherman on his famous march
to the sea, and in the review at Washington, D. C. In 1866 he came to
Caldwell County, Mo., and began farming. In 1883 he purchased the farm
now owned by G. W. Ridinger, and resided there until the time of his death,
Oct. 5, 1907. His wife was born in Ohio, in 1830, and died April 3, 1898.
They are both buried in Lick Fork Cemetery in Harrison Township. They
were members of the Baptist church, and were the parents of eight chil-
dren, two of whom are deceased.
G. W. Ridinger has a twin brother in Monroe Township. Mr. Ridinger
began farming for himself when eighteen years of age. He was educated
in Caldwell County at Breckenridge, Mo., and then went west where he
got his start as a cattle man. 1886 he returned home and began farming
across the road from where he now resides, and in 1900 he bought out
the heirs on his father's farm and has had charge of it since that time.
He began breeding Percheron horses in 1898 and eight years later he
started breeding Jacks and Jennietts. He has been very successful in this
field of work, and also as a breeder of Jersey cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs,
and brown leghorn chickens. Mr. Ridinger has had all of his stock on ex-
hibition at various fairs and is very well known throughout the country.
July 4, 1885, Mr. Ridinger married Lillie Belle Grove. She is a
daughter of Abraham and Cathrine (Frank) Grove, native of Licking
County, Ohio, and Virginia. Abraham Grove was born May 10, 1830, and
died in 1913. Mrs. Grove was born Aug. 21, 1825, and died Nov. 7, 1908.
They are also buried in Lick Fork Cemetery, Harrison Township.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ridinger have been born two children, both deceased ;
Una, who died at the age of one and one-half years ; and the other in
infancy. Mr. Ridinger is a Democrat, and has held the offices of tax col-
lector, road overseer, constable, and is now road overseer. He is a member
of the Baptist church.
In October, 1902, Mr. and Mrs. Ridinger took a daughter to rear,
Ethel Scott, now the wife of Joe Evans, living on a farm in Caldwell County.
In July, 1917, they took a boy, Rabe Weaver, from an orphan home in St.
Louis, but two years later his mother took him. Then in August, 1920,
Mr. and Mrs. Ridinger took another boy from the same orphan home,
Raymond Cooper, born May 23, 1910.
Mr. Ridinger is the owner of 140 acres of land and his wife also has
80 acres of land in Harrison Township.
I. L. Wade, well known bank cashier of Lock Springs, was born March
18, 1860, in Clinton County, 111., a son of John and Martha M. (Yingst)
Wade. John Wade was a native of Cumberland County, Pa., and at the
age of 11 years his parents moved to Illinois and settled in Clinton County.
HISTORY OP DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 411
He was born and reared a farmer but in his early life was a carpenter.
He died in November, 1907, and his widow came to Missouri and located at
Lock Springs in 1914. She died in 1920. Six children were born to Mr. and
Mrs. Wade, four of whom are living.
I. L. Wade, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm and edu-
cated in the district schools, and also studied telegraphy for one year in
St. Louis school. He served as a telegrapher for the Wabash Railroad
from 1888 until 1899 at Sampsel, Lock Springs, and Pattonsburg. He had
charge of the Lock Springs station for about eight years, beginning in 1889.
In 1889 he resigned from this line of work and went into the mercantile
business at Lock Springs, and was postmaster for a time in 1902. The
following year he sold out his business and took Representative Frank
Lawrence's place as cashier of the Lock Springs Bank, which position he
still holds.
In October, 1901, Mr. Wade married Margaret M. Brookshier, who was
born in Livingston County, about two miles east of Lock Springs, the
daughter of Thomas B. and Elizabeth (Brooks) Brookshier, natives of
Missouri and Virginia. Mrs. Wade was brought up on her father's farm.
To Mr. and Mrs. Wade five children were born, as follows: Raymond B.,
Kansas City, who enlisted in the World War in Illinois and was stationed
at several camps in Texas, but did not see active service ; Clarence C,
Ogden, Utah, who enlisted in the World War and was stationed at Fort
Sheridan and later at Camp Grant, where he was in the Officer's Training
Camp. He was attached to the Hospital Corps, but did not see active ser-
vice ; Ashley B., Columbia University. He also enlisted in the World War
from Gallatin, and was later sent to the Officer's Training Camp at Camp
Taylor, from where he was discharged a second lieutenant; Isaac Neil,
deceased ; and Esther May, who resides with her parents.
Mr. Wade is a Republican and a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and the Masons. Mr. and Mrs. Wade are members of the
Methodist church. Mr. Wade has an excellent standing in the community
and is a reliable citizen.
The Bank of Lock Springs was established Aug. 9, 1895, with a capital
stock of $10,000.00, by I. J. Meade, from Pattonsburg. Mr. Meade now
resides in Lawrence, Kan., where he is vice president of the Lawrence
National Bank.
When the Bank of Lock Springs was organized the stock holders were
mostly of Daviess and Livingston Counties.
The officers for 1922 are as follows: B. F. Ware, president Lock
412 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Springs ; Peter Johnson, vice president, Livingston County ; I. L. Wade,
cashier, Lock Springs.
The Bank of Lock Springs is capitalized at $10,000.
George B. Houston, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson
Township, was born May 30, 1857, in Jackson Township, a quarter
of a mile south of where he now lives. He is a son of Nathaniel and Rachael
(Minnick) Houston, natives of Washington County, Va., who were among
the early settlers of Jackson Township, in 1849.
Nathaniel Houston served in the Civil War as a Confederate and was
engaged in the Wilson Creek Battle near Springfield. After settling in
Daviess County he took up farming and at one time conducted a general
mercandise store at Lock Springs. He died in 1905 at the age of 81 years
and his wife died in 1907, being 83 years of age. Mr. Houston was a Dem-
ocrat and a ruling elder of the Presbyterian church. He and his wife are
buried in the Lock Springs Cemetery.
Nathaniel Houston and wife were the parents of six children, four of
whom are now living, as follows : Esther Tye, Livingston County ; George
B., the subject of this sketch ; Chas., Livingston County ; Mollie, Dugan,
New Mexico.
George B. Houston, was reared on the places where he now resides,
and helped to clear off the timber, and tells of using oxen to break up the
land. He later bought out the heirs to the farm. On Oct., 26, 1882, Mr.
Houston was married to Elizabeth Hickey, a daughter of John and
Elizabeth Hickey, born in Washington County, Va. Mr. and Mrs. Houston
have no children.
Mrs. Houston's father, John Hickey died in the army in Virginia and
his widow with three daughters came to Livingston County, Mo. Mrs.
Hickey died Jan. 20, 1922, at her home three miles east of Lock Springs,
at the age of 91 years.
Nathaniel Houston, being one of the pioneer settlers of Jackson Town-
ship, used to trap wild game, using a rail pen.
Geo. B. Houston is a Democrat and an elder of the Presbyterian church.
His farm contains 234 acres of land, and his methods of farming and stock
raising have made him one of the well known and successful farmers of
Jackson Township.
T. A. Martin, a well known retired farmer and veteran of the Civil
War, who lives in Gallatin, was born Nov. 9, 1842, in Belmont County,
Ohio, a son of Robert and Sarah A. (McBride) Martin, natives of Pennsyl-
vania. Mr. and Mrs. Martin moved from Pennsylvania to Ohio and later
to Indiana. They were the parents of two children, of whom T. A. Martin
is the only survivor.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 413
T. A. Martin was reared on a farm and was engaged in farming until
the Civil War. He enlisted in 1862 at Lafayette, Ind., in Company G, 72
Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. In June, 1863, his regiment was
mounted in the brigade, which was known as the Wilder Brigade and the
14th Army Corps, commanded by Colonel Johnson. The advance to
Hoover's Gap was the first skirmish of any consequence. The next battles
Mr. Martin was engaged in was Chickamauga, and Murfreesboro. In 1864
they started south and were engaged in another battle. They were ordered
back to join the brigade south of Nashville. After being in the Atlanta
campaign for 18 days they were ordered to watch Hood, and later ordered
to turn their horses over to Kilpatrick. The brigade was then ordered
back to Louisville, to receive new mounts. Six weeks later they joined
the Wilson command at Nashville in March, 1865. 69,000 men were mobil-
ized to start south. They crossed the Tennessee River and were engaged
in a battle at Selma, Ala., where they captured 2000 men. After marching
through Montgomery, Ala., to Columbus, Ga., they took part in a battle
there. Just 14 miles outside of Macon, Ga., they met a courier, who in-
formed them that an armistic between Sherman and Johnson had taken
place. Lee surrendered on April 9th, and his brigade did not hear of the
armistice until April 22, 1865. Mr. Martin was mustered out of service at
Indianapolis, Ind., July 6, 1865.
Mr. Martin then engaged in farming, and worked in a saw mill. He
also taught school in Indiana. In 1868 he removed to Daviess County, Mo.,
where he taught school, four miles west of Gallatin. After living in Lib-
erty Township, for some time, Mr. Martin sold his land there and returned
to Indiana. Later, however, he again returned to Liberty Township, where
he purchased more land and improved it. He farmed there for 40 years,
selling out in 1909. He then moved to Gallatin, where he has since resided.
Mr. Martin was a widely known breeder of Shorthorn cattle. He held
private sales, and usually sold his cattle to shippers.
Oct. 5, 1869, Mr. Martin was married in Boone County, Ind., to Nancy
J. Rude, native of Indiana. Mrs. Martin's father, Isaac Rude, made his
home with his daughter, Mrs. Martin, for several years before his death.
To T. A. Martin and Nancy J. Rude Martin nine children have been born,
as follows: Bertha, the wife of John Speaker, Pomona, Calif.; Eva. the wife
of John Everman, Gallatin; Addie, the wife of George Tedric, Altamont;
Thomas, was killed by lightning ; Thaddus, engaged in the lumber business
at Gallatin ; Hugh, carpenter, Gallatin ; Ora A., Utah, served three years in
the Phillipine Islands as a soldier; Chauncey, Liberty Township; Charles
C, engaged in the Automobile business in Gallatin. Chauncey and Charles
414 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Martin are twins. Mr. Martin has nine grand children and three great
grand children.
Mr. Martin is a Republican and a member of the Christian church.
He attributes his success in life to hard work, and his ability to save. His
greatest asset in life is, he says, his wife. Mr. Martin is well and favorably
known in Daviess County.
George H. Peniston, a successful farmer and stockman of Union Town-
ship, was born Aug. 23, 1883, on the farm where he now resides. He is a
son of George. W. and Mary A. (Preston) Peniston.
George W. Peniston was born in Jackson Township in 1851. He was
a farmer during his entire life. His wife was the daughter of Thomas A.
and Martha A. (Mark) Preston, natives of Virginia and Lafayette County,
Ohio. They were married Aug. 9, 1853, in Livingston County, Mo., and
later returned to Daviess County where they spent their lives. Mr. and
Mrs. Peniston were the parents of five children : Jessie, wife of J. B. Drum-
mond, Chillicothe, Mo. ; Mattie P., wife of Sam Wynne, Grand River Town-
ship; George H., the subject of this sketch; Thomas J., Union Township;
Mary Frances, clerk in the Farmers Exchange Bank, Gallatin. Mr. Penis-
ton died Aug. 26, 1889, and his wife died Sept. 25, 1912. They are both
buried in Centenary Cemetery in Union Township. Mr. Peniston was a
member of the Methodist church.
George H. Peniston became heir to part of his father's fann and later
he and his brother Theo. purchased the remainder. George H. Peniston
was married Sept. 12, 1906, to Anna S. Sneed, who was born Jan. 3, 1887,
in Jamesport Township, a daughter of James E. and Mary H. (McCue)
Sneed. James E. Sneed was born Sept. 3, 1863, in Livingston County, and
his wife was born Oct. 12, 1865, in Hancock County, 111. She died March,
1920, at her home near Pawnee City, Okla., where Mr. Sneed still resides.
Mr. and Mrs. Sneed moved to Oklahoma in 1906. They were the parents
of 12 children, nine of whom are living. Mrs. Peniston was the oldest
child.
Mr. and Mrs. Peniston are the parents of one child, George Ii-win, who
was born Sept. 30, 1911.
Mrs. Peniston has been a Sunday School teacher since she was 11 years
old, and is a very active church worker. Mr. Peniston has also been active
in church work having been Suday School superintendent. Their son be-
came a member of the Baptist church Aug. 2, 1920. Mr. Peniston has been
a deacon of the Baptist church since 1912. He is a member of the Brother-
hood of American Yoeman and is a Democrat.
Mr. Peniston owns 80 acres of land in Union Township, and is one of
the progressive and enterprising citizens of this county. He is a member
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 415
of the Carlow Consolidated School Board District No. 2, and has been pres-
ident since 1920.
Mark Tolen, a substantial farmer and stockman of Union Township,
Daviess County, and owner of 316 acres of well improved land, was born
Sept. 12, 1867, in Adair County, Iowa, the son of James W. and Elizabeth
(Polen) Tolen.
James W. Tolen was born in Hendricks County, Ind., and came to
Missouri in 1869, locating in Grand River Township, Daviess County. He
died in Monroe Township, in May, 1902, at the age of 59 years. Elizabeth
(Polen) Tolen was born in Hendricks County, Ind., and is now living in
Carlow, Mo. She is 77 years of age.
To James W. Tolen and wife, eight children were born, of whom five
are now living: Mary E., wife of F. G. Fulton, Union Township; Mark,
the subject of this sketch ; Frank, Jackson Township ; Clarence O., Jack-
son Township ; Charlie L., Jackson Township.
Mark E. Tolen grew up on his father's farm and received his education
in the district schools. At the age 21 years he began for himself, rent-
ing land. He later became heir to some land, and purchased his present
farm about 30 years ago. He is a well known breeder and feeder of
hogs and mules.
June 28, 1894, Mr. Tolen was married to Mildred Youtsey, a native
of Grand River Township, and a daughter of John and Samantha (Brown)
Youtsey, natives of Indiana and Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. Youtsey
are among the pioneers of Daviess County. To Mr. and Mrs. Tolen five
children have been born, as follows: Edna, at home; Bryan, who was in the
navy during the World War and stationed at Brest, France, now living at
home; Etta Marie, the wife of Vernon E. Chapman, Gallatin; Velma, at
home ; and Mark Y., at home.
Mr. Tolen is a Democrat and a member of the Church of Christ. He
is public spirited and enterprising and one of the leading citizens of Union
Township.
B. F. Ware, a progressive farmer and owner of 155 acres of land in
Jackson Township, was born Sept. 18, 1869, in Livingston County, a son of
Alexandria and Mildred Ann (Callahan) Ware.
Alexandria Ware was a native of Kentucky, and one of the pioneer
settlers of Missouri. He crossed the plains in 1849, seeking gold. His
first wife was a Miss Boone, and to that union 13 children were born, all
of whom are now deceased. His second wife, Mildred Ann (Callahan)
Ware, was born in Campbell County, Ky. This was her second marriage,
having been married the first time to J. L. Hise. By her first marriage
three children were born, two of whom are now living; A. W. Hise, Chariton
416 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
County ; and J. L. Hise, of Jackson Township. To Alexandria and Mildred
Ann (Calahan) Ware three children were born, two of whom are now liv-
ing: John T., Jackson Township; and B. F., the subject of this sketch. Mr.
Ware died in 1899, at the age of 83 years, and Mrs. Ware died in 1905, at
the age of 72 years.
B. F. Ware attended the district school and was reared on the farm.
He remained at home for a number of years with his parents, purchasing
the home place after the death of his father. After making extensive im-
provements he sold the farm and then bought his home in Jackson Town-
ship, three miles north of Lock Springs. His residence in in Lock Springs.
Mr. Ware is president of the bank of Lock Springs, having been elected
to that office Feb. 2, 1922. He had served as vice-president for a number
of years.
Mr. Ware was married to Sarah E. Rupe, now deceased. To this union
seven children were born, of whom three are now living; Nellie F., Nona E.,
and Benjamin F., all living with their father.
Mr. Ware is a Democrat and has served in the offices of township
trustee and treasurer. He is a member of the Methodist church and
Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Ware is favorably known throughout
Daviess County as a man of enterprise and ability. In Lock Springs, also,
he is esteemed as a progressive business man.
James B. Bennett, who is the owner of 190 acres of land in Harrison
Township, is one of the well known farmers and stockmen of this county.
He was born in Harrison Township, Daviess County, one and one-half miles
southwest of his present farm, on Aug. 16, 1856, and is a son of Fisher R.
and Elizabeth (England) Bennett.
F. R. Bennett was married the first time in April, 1844, to Miss Sophia
A. Trosper, and to that union two children were born: Sophia A., and
Nicholas T., both deceased. Mr. Bennett's second wife, the mother of
James B. Bennett, was born in Carroll County, Mo., about 1845, and died
in 1920. Two children were born to this union : W. P., and Daviess County,
and James B., the subject of this sketch.
F. R. Bennett was born in Kentucky about 1813, and died in 1879. He
was reared a farmer but for some time after starting out for himself, he
followed flat boating on the Mississippi River. He came to Daviess County,
in 1842. He crossed the plains to the gold fields riding a mule the entire
distance, and had nothing to eat during the trip except parched corn which
he had to share with the mule. The mule acted as a good body guard on the
trip against the Indians, snorting when they would approach.
James B. Bennett was reared on a farm, and attended the district
school. The school house was furnished with split elm benches, and he
J. B. r.ioNNR'ir
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 417
worked as a farm laborer in early life. In August, 1874, he married Sarah
Jane McCrarey. She was born in Daviess County, in 1854, and died in
1896. Three children were born to them, as follows: James M., deceased;
Newton B., deceased; and Mary E., was married three times and is now
deceased. She had one child, Hartrell Bennett, who lives in Caldwell
County, Mo.
When Mr. Bennett was married he only had $10 and he rented land
for 12 years. He then, in 1886, bought 80 acres of land in Jackson Town-
ship. He improved this and sold it in 1920. In 1890 he bought the farm
where he has made his home since that time. He is very active and has
always gotten up at four o'clock in the morning the year around, and says
he has worked many nights doing chores. He has cleared off heavy timber
from all his land.
Mr. Bennett carries on general farming and raises Shorthorn cattle
and Poland China hogs. He is recognized as one of the substantial and
well known farmers of Harrison Township. He is a Democrat and a mem-
ber of the Methodist church.
J. Forrest Brown, the efficient and well known cashier of the People's
Bank of Carlow, Mo., was born May 22, 1899, at Jamesport, the son of J.
Mack and Delia (Andre) Brown, who now reside in Jamesport, Mo.
J. Forrest Brown was reared on a farm. He was educated in the dis-
trict schools, and attended the State Teachers College at Maryville. He
then took a position with the Standard American Jewelry Company of
Detroit, Mich. In November, 1920, Mr. Brown came to Carlow, and the
following month became cashier of the People's Bank of Carlow.
Mr. Brown was married Aug. 23, 1921, to Verna Williams, who was
born in Gilman City, a daughter of LaFayette and Delcina Williams. She
was educated in the high school at Gilman City and attended Cedar Valley
Seminary, Osage, Iowa.
Mr. Brown enlisted in the Students Army Training Corps, but was
never called into active service during the World War. He enlisted at
Maryville.
Mr. Brown is a Democrat and an enterprising young man of his com-
munnity.
The Peoples Bank of Carlow was organized in July, 1919, by S. L.
Gibson, now of the Chillicothe Trust Company, president; Ivo W. Livley,
now cashier of the Bank of Jamesport, Jamesport.
The first officers of the Peoples Bank of Carlow were: S. L. Gibson,
president; J. C. Oxford, vice-president; and Flavel P. Girdner, cashier.
The bank was organized with a capital stock of $10,000.
The Peoples Bank of Carlow has enjoyed a very rapid growth, due in
418 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
no small part, to the integrity and efficiency of its officers. It is now a
members of the Missouri Bankers Association. The bank's stockholders
consist of the present officers and the progressive farmers of Carlow dis-
trict.
The present officers are: Robert J. Murphy, president, Chillicothe; S.
W. Blakely, vice president, Carlow ; and J. Forrest Brown, cashier.
S. W. Blakely, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson Township,
Daviess County, was born March 31, 1889, on a farm in Jackson Township,
where he now resides. He is the son of M. P. and Elizabeth (Hooper)
Blakely.
M. P. Blakely was born in Daviess County, on the farm where he now
lives with his son, Feb. 25, 1841. During the Civil War he enlisted from
Daviess County, in the Confederate Army and served during the entire
war. At the end of the war Mr. Blakely worked as a laborer in Sangamon
County, 111. He then returned to Missouri, and purchased his present
farm in Jackson Township from the heirs. M. P. Blakely was the son of
Pleasant and Nancy (Girdner) Blakely, natives of Whitley County, Ky.,
who came to Daviess County in 1834, and located on the present Blakely
farm. They were the parents of nine children, two of their sons having
served in the Civil War. Pleasant Blakely preempted the land from the
government at $1.25 per acre, securing in return three sheepskin land
grants.
Elizabeth (Hooper) Blakely was born in Clinton County, July 10,
1855,, a daughter of Jacob and Sarah (St. John) Hooper, natives of Ken-
tucky and Tennessee, who came to Clinton County. M. P. and Elizabeth
(Hooper) Blakely had but one child, S. W., the subject of this sketch.
S. W. Blakely was reared on his father's farm in Jackson Township,
and received his education in the district schools. In 1920 he became heir
to the old home farm where he is now engaged successfully in farming and
stock raising. He is a well known breeder of Poland China hogs.
Mr. Blakely was inducted into military service during the World War
on Sept. 18, 1917. He was stationed at Camp Funston, Kans., for nine
months. He was then sent to New York and sailed for overseas June 28,
1919, in the 89th Division, 314 Military Police Company. Mr. Blakely took
part in the St. Mihiel Battle and the Meuse-Argonne Drive. After the
armistice he was assigned to the Army of Occupation, and was stationed
in Germany for some time. He sailed for France March 13, 1919, and
was mustered out of service June 13, 1919, at Camp Funston, Kans.
In December, 1921, Mr. Blakely was elected president of the Peoples
Bank of Carlow, Mo. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and of
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 419
the American Legion. Mr. Blakely is a Democrat and one of Daviess
County's most enterprising and substantial citizens. He is unmarried.
James Critten, who is now hving retired in Jackson Township, is a
Cilvil War veteran and one of the early pioneer settlers of Daviess County.
He was born March 26, 1840, in Putman County, Ohio, a son of Isaac and
Mary (Nichols) Critten.
Isaac Critten was born in Licking County, Ohio, March 20, 1814. He
was a farmer during his entire life. In 1855 he moved to Daviess County,
locating on a farm in Jackson Township. In 1900 he retired and moved
to Gallatin, where he died in August, 1901. Mary (Nichols) Critten was
born in Licking County, Ohio, Sept. 18, 1818, and died in 1902. They
were members of the Presbyterian church and are buried in Centenary
Cemetery in Union Township. To Isaac and Marry (Nichols) Critten ten
children were born, of whom four are now living: Catherine, widow of
S. M. Carter, Chetopa, Kans.; Phoebe, the wife of J. R. Adkins, Mission,
Tex. ; Emily, wife of W. T. Tribbey, Jackson Township ; and James, the sub-
ject of this sketch.
James Critten came to Missouri when very young with his parents
and was educated in the district schools. He worked on his father's farm
until the Civil War, when he enlisted in Company B, 1st Cavalry, Missouri
State Militia. During the war he was stationed in Kansas, Arkansas and
Missouri. Mr. Critten served three years under Colonel J. H. B. McFerran
and was engaged in the battles of Kirksville, Little Blue and near Fort
Scott, Kans. He also took part in the raid with Shelby at Jefferson City,
and had several skiiTnishes with bushwackers.
At the close of the Civil War Mr. Critten settled on his present farm
of 170 acres in Jackson Township, where he was engaged in general farm-
ing. He was a well known stock feeded. When Mr. Critten purchased his
land it was all unbroken prairie.
On Sept. 13, 1868, Mr. Critten was married to Samantha Macy, daugh-
ter of Seth and Marinda (Adkinson) Macy. Mrs. Critten was born Feb.
2, 1852, in Daviess County. She died in 1917. Mr. and Mrs. Macy were
natives of North Carolina and South Carolina. They are both deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Critten three children were born, one of whom is now
living. Otto E., Jackson Township.
Mr. Critten is a Republican and has served as a justice of the peace
several times. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and is one of
the substantial and highly respected pioneer citizens of Daviess County.
Judge W. E. Naylor, deceased, was a prominent farmer and business
man of Jackson Township. He was born May 30, 1868, in Daviess County,
a son of F. M. and Sarah A. (West) Naylor.
420 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
F. M. Naylor was born in Bath County, Ky., Oct. 11, 1829, a son of
Ignatius and Susan (Kerns) Naylor. Ignatius Naylor was a carpenter by
trade. He died Feb. 10, 1875, in Platte County, Mo. F. M. Naylor died in
1900, and his wife died Oct. 15, 1908. To F. M. and Sarah A. (West)
Naylor nine children were born, one of whom is now living: Mrs. Howard
Pogue, Gallatin.
Judge W. E. Naylor was reared on a farm and received his education
in the district school and attended school two years at Jamesport. He then
became engaged in farming in Jackson Township. Later he purchased his
father's farm and lived there until his death Feb. 14, 1918. At the time
of his death he owned 336 acres of land, 160 acres in Jackson Township
and 176 acres in Kansas.
Oct. 6, 1887, Judge Naylor was married to Mary Lee Sandidge, a
daughter of Dabney and Rebecca (Hill) Sandidge. Mr. and Mrs. Sandidge
were the parents of two children : Mrs. Naylor and Rule A. Faulkner, now
living in Harrison, Ark. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sandidge are now deceased.
Mrs. Naylor was born two and one-half miles southeast of Jamesport. and
received her education in the district schools. Tq Judge and Mrs. Naylor
four children were born, as follows : Glenn, was killed by an acetylene gas
explosion in 1915; Frankie, the wife of W. H. Etter, living near Jamesport;
Ross, living with his mother; Katherine, the wife of Corwin Miller,
Gallatin.
In 1918 Mrs. Naylor sold the old home farm and purchased 95 acres of
land west of the former home in Jackson Township. She has erected a
new home and made other improvements.
Judge Naylor was a Democrat. He was elected county judge, which
office he had held for two years. He was a member of the Christian church
and was a deacon at the church at Carlow. In all the phases of his life,
as a business man, as a citizen, and in his capacity as a judge. Judge Naylor
was industrious and sincere. He merited the high regard in which he was
held by the community. He is buried in Brown Cemetery, Gallatin.
J. B. Drummond, Sr., a prominent farmer and stockman of Jackson
Township, was born Feb. 4, 1851, in Union Township, Daviess County, a
son of Joshua L. and Mary (Rhea) Drummond.
Joshua L. Drummond was born June 20, 1818, in Monroe County, Va.
He removed to Missouri in the early forties, locating on a farm in Union
Township. He came to Missouri with his mother and step-father, J. B.
Foster, who settled in Grand River Township, which was then known as
Awbury Grove. Mary (Rhea) Drummond was born in Greenbrier County,
Va., March 26, 1825. She died in Texas, Nov. 13, 1837. Joshua Drum-
mond died Oct. 9, 1859, and is buried in the old Jordin Cemetery in Jackson
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 421
Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Drummond six children were born, three of
whom are now living: J. B., the subject of this sketch; Susan, the wife of
William Douthit, Fayette County ; Elizabeth C, the wife of Warren Mur-
ray, Gallatin.
J. B. Drummond was reared on a farm and educated in the district
schools. He learned the blacksmith trade, which he worked at for about
15 years in Odessa, Jamesport and Carlow. He later owned a grocery
and hardware store at Carlow, which was burned Sept. 14, 1909. Mr.
Drummond then became engaged in farming and stock raising. He is a
breeder of standard bred trotting horses. In the early days Mr. Drum-
mond tells of using oxen to break up the prairie land. He has been very
successful in his work and owns 138 acres of well improved land at the
southeastern part of Carlow.
Mr. Drummond was married, first, Oct. 13, 1899, to Iva Bashford, a
daughter of David and Sarah (Hodd) Bashford. She was born in Jack-
son Township. To J. B. and Iva (Bashford) Drummond two children were
born: one died in infancy, and William L., employed with the Morris Pack-
ing Company, St. Joseph. Mrs. Drummond died April 7, 1919.
Dec. 19, 1920, Mr. Drummond was married to Frances (Tulley) Poe,
a native of Hamilton County, Ind.
Mr. Drummond is an independent voter. He is a stockholder in the
Peoples Bank of Carlow. Mr. Drummond is a reliable citizen who is highly
esteemed by his fellow citizens in Jackson Township.
W. F. Burge, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Jackson Township,
was born Feb. 17, 1876, in Daviess County, a son of George D. and Nannie
E. (Knight) Burge.
George Burge was born in Patrick County, Va., April 28, 1844, and
came to Jackson Township, Daviess County, with his father in 1851. Here
he followed farming until 1908 when he moved to Oklahoma where he now
lives at ElReno. His wife, Nannie E. Knight was born in Daviess County,
and died in August, 1876. To this union was born one child, W. F., the sub-
ject of this sketch. George D. Burge was later married to Martha J.
Faulkner, a native of Daviess County, and to this union six children were
born.
W. F. Burge was reared on his father's farm and received his education
in the district school and high school of Gallatin. At 20 years of age he
purchased 40 acres of land, on which he has since resided. He has added
to his original land holdings until he now owns 200 acres in Jackson Town-
ship. He also operates his father's farm of 280 acres, which is an exclusive
stock farm. Mr. Burge specialized in registered Poland China hogs and
422 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
also is a breeder of mules and sheep, in wRich work he has been veiy
successful.
On April 2, 1896, W. F. Burge was married to Pearl E. Jenkins, a
daughter of W. E. and Caroline (Drummond) Jenkins, now living in James-
part. Mrs. Jenkins was born in Daviess County. To Mr. and Mrs. Burge
have been born 13 children, as follows : Carrie F., teacher at ElReno, Okla. ;
Nina M., the wife of F. H. McMahan, living near Jamesport; Wilma R.,
teacher in Monroe Township district school ; James Raymond, Jamesport ;
and Fred F., Woody A., Garland L., Margaret, William F., Jr., Jesse W.,
Betty L., all living at home. The other two children died in infancy. All
of the Burge children are very well educated.
Mr. Burge is a Democrat and a member of the Presbyterian church.
He is an energetic man who stands well in the esteem of his neighbors and
fellow citizens.
J. M. Snider, a well known farmer and stockman of Jackson Township,
and owner of 388 acres of land, was born Aug. 5, 1846, in Pike County, Ohio,
in the village of Cynthann, the son of Samuel and Martha (Vanzant)
Snider.
Samuel Snider was born in Greenbrier County, Va. When a child he
floated down the Ohio River with his parents in a boat which they had built
themselves. They brought all of their furniture, live stock and clothing
with them. During the day they floated with the current. They settled
in Highland County, Ohio, where Mr. Snider was reared. He removed to
Daviess County, Mo., in 1868, and settled in Jackson Township, where he
lived until his death, March 15, 1886, aged 65 years. Martha (Vanzant)
Snider was born Jan. 14, 1824, in Greenbrier County, Va., and died in
Daviess County, Mo., Jan 15, 1876. They were both buried in Clear Creek
Cemetery, Jackson Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Snider six children
were born, of whom Stella L. is the youngest. She is the wife of E. J.
Snyder, Los Angeles, CaHf .
J. M. Snider was reared on a farm in Highland County, Ohio, and
remained there until September, 1864, when he enlisted in the National
Guard of Ohio. He served 63 days, when he was sent to Georgia and held
in the Reserve Guards there. Mr. Snider lived in Ohio until 1868 when he
removed to Missouri with his parents. His father was a carpenter by
trade. Upon their arrival in Missouri they became engaged in farming,
where they remained until Mrs. Snider's death, after which J. M. Snider
went to Colorado, where he lived one year. He then returned to Missouri,
married, and settled on the home place, which his father deeded to him in
1880. Mr. Snider has made extensive improvements on the farm, and has
been very successful in general farming and stock raising.
J
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 423
On Dec. 17, 1876, Mr. Snider was married to Phena L. Youtsey, a
daughter of Archibald and Elizabeth (George) Youtsey. Mrs. Snider
was born in 1858, in Daviess County. To Mr. and Mrs. Snider four child-
ren have been born, as follows: Clauda M., the wife of William E. Jenkins,
Jackson Township; Emma C, at home; Samuel A., at home, and Mahlon
E.. also at home.
In politics Mr. Snider is a Republican. He is a citizen who stands
well in his community, both for his enterprising disposition and for his high
standards of welfare.
Joseph M. Cox, a substantial farmer and stockman of Jackson Town-
ship, and owner of 258 acres of land in Jackson Township and 58 acres in
Livingston County, was born Feb. 25, 1853, across the road from where he
now lives in Jackson Township, a son of Levi P. and Elizabeth (Stamper)
Cox.
Levi P. Cox, Sr., was born Jan. 20, 1817, in Williamsburg, Ky., and
came to Missouri the summer of 1840, settling on what is now known as
part of the old L. P. Cox farm in Jackson Township. Mr. Cox was married
Sept. 30, 1841, to Elizabeth Stamper. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox eight children
were born, as follows: Larkin J., born Aug. 12, 1843, was shot during the
Civil War in the Battle of Corinth, Miss. He died of his wounds ; Lucy M.,
deceased, was the wife of Reuben Ketron ; Emily, deceased, was the wife
of I. F. Minnick; Nathan T., Gainsville, Texas; Maria A., deceased; Joseph
M., the subject of this sketch; Jess Cox, deceased; Levi P., Breckenridge ;
and John S., deceased.
Levi P. Cox died Jan. 20, 1886, at the age of 69 years, and his wife
died May 18, 1864, at the age of 38 years. They both are buried in Clear
Creek Cemetery.
Joseph M. Cox was reared on his father's farm and received his
education in the public schools and the high school at Breckenridge. He
later taught school for two terms. At his father's death, Mr. Cox inherited
200 acres of land in Jackson Township, upon which he has made many im-
provements. He carries on general farming and stock raising and has been
very successful.
On Nov. 10, 1877, Mr. Cox was married to Mattie Tye, a daughter of
Joshua and Elizabeth (Miller) Tye, natives of Kentucky and early settlers
of Missouri. Mrs. Cox was born in Livingston County. To Mr. and Mrs.
Cox eight children have been born, as follows: Charlie, Jackson Township;
Joshua, St. Joseph ; Effie, the wife of Fred B. Hurd, San Jose, Calif. ; Levi
Chester, deceased; Ernie, Oklahoma; Mabel, principal of Lock Springs
high school ; Manona, a bookkeepei in Kansas City ; John, at home.
Mr. Cox is a stockholder in the Farmers Co-operative Mercantile Com-
424 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
pany of Lock Springs, and was one of the organizers of the Lock Springs
Bank. He was its first vice president. He is a Democrat and a member
of the Methodist church. He has been a trustee for 20 years. He is re-
liable and an efficient member of the community.
C. E. Ernst, the prosecuting attorney of Gentry County, is a member
of an old and well known pioneer family of the county. For three genera-
tions the Ernst name has been connected with the development of Gentry
County and the members of the family have been people of worth and
merit in civic affairs.
C. E. Ernst was born in Mound City, June 23, 1871, the son of Rev.
James Henry and Martha J. (McCurry) Ernst. Rev. Ernst was a native
of Gentry County, where his father and uncle, Godfrey and Andrew Ernst,
built the first frame house ever erected in their neighborhood. This house
is on the Ernst farm six miles southeast of Albany. It was a favorite
stopping place for travellers taking the route to the Pattonsburg Mills and
to the Gentryville Mills in the old frontier days. The old house is thus of
historical interest, not only in the story of the Ernst family, but also in
connection with the trade growth of the county. At this house Godfrey
Ernst died, and here, in 1871, his son, James Henry, also died. The re-
mains of both are buried in the Ernst burying ground on the farm. This
place is still used at a public graveyard. Rev. James Henry Ernst was a
minister in the Methodist church to which he devoted years of earnest and
tireless work. C. E. Ernest, the subject of this sketch, was the only child
of the union of Rev. J. H. and Martha J. (McCurry) Ernst.
Martha J. (McCurry) Ernst was the daughter of James McCurry, who
came from Green County, Tenn., with his father-in-law, William Duke, in
1868. They settled near Albany where they spent the remainder of their
lives. They both died several years ago and their remains are buried in
the City Cemetery at Albany. After the death of Rev. James Henry Ernst
his widow married John M. Canaday, a son of Caleb Canaday, who was at
one time probate judge of Gentry County. John M. Canaday is now dead
his widow lives with her son, C. E. Ernst. She is 76 years old.
C. E. Ernst was educated in the public school of Albany and later at-
tended Christian College at Albany. He then read law with W. F. Dalbey
and was admitted to the bar in December, 1900, and has since practiced suc-
cessfully. When former Governor Hadley was in office, he appointed Mr.
Ernst the circuit clerk and recorder of deeds of Gentry County to fill out
the unexpired term of Horace J. Peery. This was in April, 1910, and Mr.
Ernst held the office for two years, working under Don Hawthorne. Mr.
Ernst's success and popularity as an official of the county is shown by the
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 425
fact that his county elected him to lill the office of prosecuting attorney
in 1918 and reelected him in 1920.
C. E. Ernst was married in 1901, to Alice Sparks, a daughter of Col-
W. P. Sparks of Grant City. Mrs. Ernst was born and reared in Grant
City. To this union of C. E. and Alice (Sparks) Ernst two children have
been born: Charles, a graduate of the Albany High School, now a student
at Palmer College, and interested in electrical engineering; and Ernestine
also a graduate of Albany High School, and at present student at Palmer
College from which she was graduated in music in 1922.
Mr. Ernst is a member of the Baptist church and is identified with the
following lodges: the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows of which he is a Past Grand Master, the Yoeman, and
the Woodmen of the World. Mr. Ernst is very fond of good horses and
keeps four standard bred horses at his home. He uses them both for driv-
ing and riding. He is a citizen of whom his community is proud. As a
private citizen, he has been interested in the advancement of the town and
the county, and as a public official he has been efficient, just and considerate.
W. T. McClure, a prominent banker of Jamesport, was born Nov. 13,
1879, in Jamesport Township, a son of Jonathan and Mary L. (Hamilton)
McClure.
Jonathan McClure was born in Ohio. Before the Civil War he came
to Grundy County, Mo., with his father and they started a flour mill on
Hickory Creek. They had moved to Grundy County, Mo., from Van
Buren County, Iowa. During the Civil War, Mr. McClure enlisted as a
soldier from Missouri and served on the Union side. After the war he
traded a horse for 160 acres of land in Jamesport Township, where he
moved and made his home until his death, Feb. 5, 1917. At the time of
his death he owned 640 acres of land. He helped organize the Commercial
Bank of Jamesport, which was first known as the Farmers and Merchants
Bank. He was a stock holder and director until his death. Mr. McClure
was a member of the Methodist Church and a member of the Masonic lodge,
being a charter member of No. 564 Jamesport. He was a progressive citi-
zen who devoted much of his time and energy to public welfare. Mrs.
McClure was born in Daviess County, and is now living on the old home
farm near Jamesport.
To Jonathan and Mary L. (Hamilton) McClure seven children were
born, as follows: Arthur, living with his mother; Alice, the wife of James
W. Parker, Jamesport Township; Rose, the wife of Thomas Hamilton,
Long Beach, Calif.; Nellie, the wife of R. D. McCray, Lincoln Township;
Pinke, the wife of R. M. Cole, Lincoln Township; W. T., the subject of this
sketch ; Harry, Jamesport Township.
426 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
W. T. McClure was reared on a farm and received his education in the
district schools and the Kirksville Normal School. After finishing school
he taught in the district schools for about eight years. He was then en-
gaged in farming for a number of years. Aug. 9, 1908, Mr. McClure be-
came the bookkeeper in what was then known as the Farmers and Mer-
chants Bank at Jamesport. An May 30, 1911, the bank consolidated with
the First National Bank, and was then known as the Commercial Bank of
Jamesport. For a short time, Mr. McClure was assistant cashier of the
bank, and in September, 1912, he became cashier. On Jan. 1, 1920, he was
elected president, which office he now holds.
On Jan. 9, 1916, Mr. McClure was married to Roberta Doty, a native
of Daviess County, and daughter of William and Elizabeth Doty, both of
whom are now deceased.
Mr. McClure is a Republican and a member of the Masonic lodge in all
its branches. He is well and favorably known in Jamesport and takes an
active interest in the affairs of his community.
The Commercial Bank of Jamesport, Mo., was organized in 1911 by the
consolidation of the Farmers and Merchants Bank and the First National
Bank. It has a capital of $80,000 and a surplus of $14,500.
The present officers of the Commercial Bank are as follows: W. T.
McClure, president : George Pogue, vice-president ; C. A. Lewis, cashier ;
Kathleen Reed, assistant cashier; Mabel Martin, assistant cashier; C. R.
May, assistant cashier.
The Commercial Bank of Jamesport is a member of the Missouri Asso-
ciation and the American Association of Banks. It is located on the main
thoroughfare of Jamesport and is modernly equipped in every respect.
The stockholders of the Commercial Bank are made up of citizens of
Jamesport Township. The bank is well known throughout the state and is
in high standing due to the efficiency of its officers.
Ivo W. Lively, the competent and well known cashier of the Bank of
Jamesport, was born in Monroe, La., the son of Chapman H., and Ella
(Humble) Lively, natives of Louisana.
Chapman H. Lively was born in 1863, and was a plantation owner
during his life. He owned land in Louisana where he raised cotton, having
many negroes working the plantation. He died in Monroe, La., in 1915, at
the age of 52 years. Mrs. Lively is now living in Monroe, La. To Mr. and
Mrs. Lively four children were born, as follows: Ivo W., subject of this
sketch ; E. H., San Francisco, Calif. ; Edith, the wife of August Swayze,
Monroe, La. ; the fourth child died in infancy.
Ivo W. Lively was reared in Monroe, La., being educated in the public
schools there and later attending the business college at Chillicothe, Mo.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 427
When 18 years of age he was engaged as a messenger boy in the Ouachita
National Bank, at Monroe, La. In two years he became bookkeeper in the
same bank. In 1906, he went to Kansas City, where he was engaged as
a bookkeeper in the Commerce Trust Company, later becoming teller. Six
years later, Mr. Lively removed to Las Vegas, N. M., where he became the
assistant secretary of the Peoples Bank and Trust Company. In 1914 he
went to Santa Fe, N. M., where he became cashier of the Santa Fe Bank.
He remained there until 1916, when he came to Jamesport and organized
the Bank of Jamesport.
Mr. Lively was married Nov. 4, 1907, to Dorothy Stephenson, a native
of Marceline. To this union one son has been born, Ivo W., Jr.
Mr. Lively is a Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist church and
the Knights of Phythias. Mr. Lively is a good business man who possesses
both capability and courtesy. He is well known in Daviess County, and
merits the esteem with which he is held in his community.
The Bank of Jamesport, Jamesport, Mo., was organized in 1916 by
Ivo W, Lively, with a capital stock of $10,000, which was increased in three
years to $15,000.
While is it numerically the third bank in the town, it is truly the first in
point of community spirit and development. Mr. Lively convinced his
associates from the beginning that it was to be their bank, and they were
to be, therefore, one body of boosters. They caught the spirit immediately
and a really marvelous growth has resulted. One featui-e inaugurated by
Mr. Lively was the annual stockholders' banquet, the first being held in
1919, at the time of the summer divident payment. This was such a suc-
cess that all were heartily in favor of the plan for each year to follow.
The oflScers of the Bank of Jamesport are: I. C. Hill, farmer of Jackson
Township, president ; W. L. Arnold, merchant of Jamesport, vice-president ;
Ivo W. Lively, cashier; Miss Roberta Goodvin, assistant cashier; Lois
Rayburn, second assistant cashier.
The deposits at present are $134,495.63, the total resources are
$191,851.00. The stockholders of the bank are mainly farmers of James-
port and vicinity.
The phenomenal growth of the bank of Jamesport is due in no small
degree to co-operation, and the stockholders are to be congratulated upon
having for their leader a man of Mr. Lively's business foresight.
Ralph Wiles, the popular and efficient postmaster of Jamesport, is a
native of Jamesport Township, Daviess County, born Sept. 11, 1894.
Ralph was reared on his grandparents' farm. His grandparents are
Thomas and Georgianna (Haines) Wiles. Mr. Wiles is now retired, living
in Jamesport. Ralph Wiles was educated in the public schools and the high
428 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
school of Jamesport. He then attended the Gem City Business College at
Quincy, 111. After completing his education, Mr. Wiles worked as a farm
hand until the outbreak of the World War. He enlisted in December, 1917,
and was sent to Fort Sill, Okla. He was stationed there until his discharge,
being a member of Headquarters Company, 9th Field Artillery. On March
29, 1919, Mr. Wiles was mustered out of service and returned home, where
he engaged in farming until Sept. 16, 1921, when he was appointed post-
master at Jamesport.
Mr. Wiles is a member of the Masonic lodge- and India Temple Shrine
at Oklahoma City, and the Consistory at Guthrie, Okla. He also belongs
to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Eastern Star and Rebeccas. He
is a member of the Methodist church. In politics Mr. Wiles is a Repub-
lican. He is unmarried. He is one of Daviess County's public spirited
and enterprising young citizens.
J. L. McCue, a successful and widely known business man of James-
port, was born Oct. 1, 1855, in Grundy County, a son of Isaac M. and
Martha J. (Livingston) McCue.
Isaac M. McCue was born in Greenbrier County, Va., April 6, 1830, and
came to Missouri in 1844. He was a farmer during his entire life. He
died July 3, 1905, in Jamesport. In politics Mr. McCue was a staunch
Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. His wife was a daugh-
ter of Dr. James and Eliza R. (Tootle) Livingston, natives of Ohio. After
removing to Grundy County in 1838, Dr. Livingston practiced medicine
fi'om his farm, which was located on the Daviess, Grundy and Livingston
County lines. To Isaac M. and Martha J. (Livingston) McCue three child-
ren were born, as follows: J. L., the subject of this sketch; Milton T.,
deceased ; and P. S., Jackson Township, Daviess County.
Shortly after J. L. McCue was born his parents moved to Daviess
County, and settled on a farm, where he grew up. He attended the dis-
trict schools and the state university. After completing his education, he
taught school for a number of years. In 1881 he came to Jamesport, where
he was engaged in the general merchandise business with his brother,
P. S. McCue, under the firm name of McCue Brothers. After one year
Mr. McCue bought out his brothers' interest and took James Guerin, an
uncle, into partnership. In 1887 Mr. McCue sold out his interest to Mr.
Guerin, after which he taught school for four years.
Following the failure of the Citizens Bank in Jamesport, Mr. McCue
purchased the building and improved it with a fine large building, cover-
ing three lots. The building is modern in every respect and Mr. McCue
carries a full line of dry goods, ready to wear garments, shoes, etc. From
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 429
1894 until 1904 Mr. McGue led a retired life and in 1905 he was appointed
county assessor by Joseph W. Folk. In 1906 he again became engaged
in the general merchandise business with Hazelip Witten. In a few
months Mr. McCue became the sole owner. In 1919 he took into partner-
ship his son, Robert E., and the firm is now known as J. L. McCue & Son.
Mr. McCue was mai-ried the first time to Emma I. McClung in 1883.
She was the daughter of John F., and Miriam (Bowen) McClung, natives
of Jamesport Township, Daviess County. Mrs. McCue was born in James-
port Township. To this union two children were boi-n: Mabel L., the wife
of S. W. Reed, Trenton, Mo. ; and Robert E., married to Bessie I. McCray,
a native of Daviess County. Robert E. McCue was born Nov. 24, 1885, in
Jamesport, and received his education in the public schools of Jamesport,
the Methodist school at Fayette, and the state university. He studied
law for two and one-half years. He enlisted in the World War in Decem-
ber, 1917, and was sent to Fort George Wright. Ten days later he went
to Waco, Texas, where he trained in the aviation service for four months.
He also was stationed at Fort Omaha four months, and sailed for overseas
in November, 1918, a few days before the armistice was signed. He re-
turned home in May, 1919, and became engaged with his father in the dry
goods business.
Mr. McCue was married the second time to Joan Chenoweth on April
7, 1910. She is a daughter of Joseph S. and Sarah Ann (Forshea) Cheno-
weth, natives of Ohio and Indiana. They are both deceased. Mr. Cheno-
weth was a carpenter by trade and one of the early settlers of Jamesport.
Mr. McCue is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He
is one of the prominent and progressive men of Jamesport, where his name
has always stood for enterprise, industry and integrity.
A. H. Warren, a well known and enterprising druggist of Jamesport,
was born March 15, 1859, in Jackson Township, Daviess County, a son of
John W. and Jane (Cathcart) Warren.
John W. Warren was born in Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 24, 1825. He came
to Missouri from Ohio, and during his life was engaged in farming, plaster-
ing and as a machinist. During the Civil War he enlisted in the Missouri
State Militia. He was a Democrat and had held the offices of constable
and township collector. He died Sept. 24, 1913, in Jamesport. Mrs. War-
ren was born in North Carolina, Aug. 10 1815, and died in 1909. To Mr.
and Mrs. Warren four children were born, of whom two are now living:
Martha, the widow of Andrew Harrah, Jamesport; and A. H., the subject
of this sketch. John A., deceased, was a commission merchant in St.
Louis.
430 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
A. H. Warren was reared in Jamesport, and received his education in
the public schools there. In 1876 he was engaged as a drug clerk and was
a registered pharmacist under the old law. He engaged in the drug busi-
ness in 1884 in partnership with L. A. Phillips. At that time Mr. Warren
was also postmaster, which office he filled for four years under President
Cleveland's administration. During that period, Mr. Warren sold out his
interest in the drug business. Later, in 1888, he again went into the drug
business in Jamesport, where he has been since engaged, with the excep-
tion of two and one-half years, which he spent in St. Louis. He carries
a full line of drugs, paints, wall paper, druggists sundries, toilet articles,
glass, etc., and has a very successful business.
On Oct. 31, 1884, Mr. Warren was married to Sarah R. Hawley, a
native of Janesville, Wis. They have no children.
Mr. Warren is a Democrat and a member of the Knights of Pythias.
He is well and favorably known in Jamesport, and takes a commendable
interest in the affairs of his town.
W. L. Arnold, a prominent business man of Jamesport, was born May
16, 1868, in Carroll County, 111., the son of John and Hanna (Strickler)
Arnold.
John Arnold was born in Chambersburg, Pa., and was a farmer during
his entire life. He came to Daviess County, in 1882, locating on a farm one
and a quarter miles east of Jamesport. Since 1902, Mr. Arnold has resided
in Horton County, Texas, and is now 92 years old. His wife was also a
native of Pennsylvania. She died in 1914 at the age of 82 years. To John
and Hanna (Strickler) Arnold 12 children were born, one of whom is now
deceased.
W. L. Arnold was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools
and the Jamesport High School, from which he was graduated in 1888.
For a short time Mr. Arnold taught school and in 1891, he engaged in the
mercantile business at Kansas City, Mo. Six years later he started in the
grocery business at Jamesport, in partnership with his brothers, S. E. and
C. L. Arnold. In October, 1920, W. L. Arnold with his two sons became
the owners of the business. It is one of the high grade grocery stores in
the county, and Mr. Arnold has been very successful in his business. He
was one of the organizers of the Jamesport Bank, now holding the office of
vice president of same.
On Feb. 16, 1898, Mr. Arnold was married to Minnie L. Hutchison, a
native of Jamesport, and daughter of Charles and Anna (Lindsey) Hutch-
ison, both deceased. Charles M. Hutchison was born in Carey County, Ky.,
Oct. 15, 1837, and was the son of Judge Thomas Hutchison, a native of
Virginia. His mother's maiden name was Polly Ann Tate, a native of
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 431
Lincoln County, Ky. Charles M. Hutchison was three years of age when
his parents moved to Missouri and settled in Livingston County, where he
was reared and educated. He began life as a school teacher at the age
of 23 years and followed that profession for 13 years. He came to James-
port in 1870, and began merchandising which business he followed for 23
years. In 1873 he was elected assessor and collector of Jamesport, for
three years. He also served in the capacity of postmaster of Jamesport.
He was married in Daviess County, Dec. 31, 1869, to Annie Lindsey, a
daughter of James and Rebecca Lindsey, natives of Virginia. Mrs. Hutch-
ison was born in Mechanicsville, Iowa, Oct. 18, 1846. To this union five
children were born, four of whom are now living, as follows: W. T., ; Mrs.
Minnie L. Arnold, Jamesport; Mrs. Etta Hart; Mabel Hutchison, Chicago,
111. Mr. Hutchison died Dec. 21, 1893, following a stroke of paralysis.
After the death of Mr. Hutchison, his wife was appointed postmistress,
and assisted by her two daughters she carried on this work for eight years.
Mrs. Hutchison died in Gallatin, June 3, 1907, where she and her daughter,
Mabel, had moved with her son, W. T., when he was appointed sheriff of
Daviess County.
To W. L. and Minnie L. (Hutchison) Arnold three children have been
born, as follows: L. H., in business with his father; J. T., also in business
with his father ; and Frances, at home.
Mr. Arnold is an independent Republican. He is a member of the
Church of Christ, and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Arnold
is an enterprising citizen of Daviess County, and stands high in his com-
munity.
James Guerin, a progressive business man and merchant of Jamesport,
was born in St. Louis, Oct. 23, 1894, the son of Simon and Mary (Kane)
Guerin.
Both Simon and Mary (Kane) Guerin were natives of Ireland. Mr.
Guerin was a weaver by trade. After his death in Ireland, Mrs. Guerin
came to this country and settled in St. Louis, where she died. They were
the parents of seven children, all of whom are deceased except James, the
subject of this sketch.
James Guerin was reared in St. Louis, and at the very young age of
12 years he was engaged as a painter. He later clerked in his brother
Michael's store at Roanoke, Mo., after which he went into partnership with
him in the general merchandise business at Forrest Green. In 1882, Mr.
Guerin removed to Jamesport, and became engaged in the merchandise
business, where he has since remained.
On July 7, 1869, Mr. Gurin was married to Sarah J. (Livingston), a
native of Grundy County. They have no children. Mrs. Guerin is the
432 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
daughter of Dr. James, and Elizabeth R. (Tootle) Livingston. Dr. James
Livingston was born in Ohio. He practiced medicine in Grundy, Livingston
and Daviess Counties in 1847-49-50. He vi^as the first representative of
Grundy County after its organization.
Mr. Guerin was one of the organizers of the Commercial Bank of
Jamesport, and is now a director. He is a Democrat, and has served in the
offices of mayor, township trustee, and also school director for 20 years.
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Guerin is a progressive
man who can always be relied upon to aid in anything for the public wel-
fare or the community improvement.
Walter Cox, the proprietor of the Albany Garage at Albany and the
authorized salesman of Ford automobiles and repairs, was born at Grant
City, Oct. 16, 1884, the son of Enoch and Rebecca Cox.
Enoch Cox and his wife are both natives of Worth County. They are
now living at Grant City, but Mr. Cox continues to operate his farm in
Worth County.
Walter Cox graduated from the Grant City High School and later
accepted a position as bookkeeper in the First National Bank at Grant
City. He remained in this place for three years, but resigned in 1911 to
to open a garage there. He managed his new business with acumen and
industry and at the end of three years sold the garage and came to Albany
where he bought the garage belonging to Carmack & Son. Mr. Cox has
enlarged the garage by the addition of a shop 30x70 feet and has installed
a steam heating plant for the entire building. The Albany Garage now
occupies two buildings, one 50x110 feet facing Clay Street, and the other
30x120 feet fronting on Hundley Street. Both these buildings as well as
the one on the corner of Clay and Hundley Streets are owned by Mr.
Cox. Mr. Cox keeps a force of six men at work in his shops and here he
does all kinds of automobile repair work and some electrical work. He
features the Ford automobiles and Fordson tractors and has established
and extensive and rapidly growing business.
Walter Cox was married Feb. 10, 1916 to Ellyn Ebersole, a graduate
of the Grant City High School. Her parents were Abraham and Isabell
Ebersole, early settlers of Gentry County, and both now dead. Mr. and
Mrs. Cox have one son, George, born Nov. 21, 1916.
Walter Cox is one of the capable and farsighted young business men
of the county. His sale record of more than 500 cars in three years is an
indication of his enterprise and his progressive methods.
T. E. Hamilton, an enterprising and practical farmer and breeder of
Jackson Township, Daviess County, was born Jan. 25, 1870, in Union Town-
ship, Daviess County, a son of H. D. and Elizabeth R. (Hill) Hamilton.
i
1
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 433
H. D. Hamilton was born in Bedford County, Tenn., Nov. 12, 1824.
During his entire life he was a farmer. In 1834 he came to Union Town-
ship, Daviess County, and in 1849 he crossed the plains. While West he
met with considerable success and returned to Missouri in 1852. At one
time Mr. Hamilton owned 520 acres of land in Daviess County. H. D.
Hamilton was the son of William and Holly (Tucker) Hamilton, who came
to Grundy County, in the early days, and where H. D. Hamilton lived until
the age of 21 years. The wife of H. D. Hamilton was born in Greenbrier
County, Va., in September, 1832. She died June 9, 1896, and both she and
Mr. Hamilton are buried in Hill Cemetery, west of Jamesport. Mr. Hamil-
ton died March 21, 1916. He was a Democrat and a member of the Metho-
dist church. To H. D. and Elizabeth R. (Hill) Hamilton ten children were
born, of whom four are now living, as follows: 'Anna, the wife of J. T.
Doty, Miller County, Mo.; T. E., the subject of this sketch; Alta M., the
wife of E. G. Knight, Jackson Township, ; Henry, the oldest, a teacher of
the Carlow consolidated schools.
T. E. Hamilton was reared on his father's farm and received his edu-
cation in the district schools. He began farming for himself when 23 years
old, renting land for one year. In 1894 he purchased 40 acres of land and
since that time has- added to his holdings, now owning 203 acres. In 1921
he erected his fine modern home, which contains electric lights, hot air
heat, running water and bath. The house is built of cement and stucco.
Mr. Hamilton began breeding, Aberdeen Angus Cattle in 1916. He also
breeds high grade Jersey cattle. Besides breeding cattle Mr. Hamilton
is a grain farmer and raises a great deal of clover. He has been very suc-
cessful and is one of the prosperous farmers of Daviess County.
On Jan. 25, 1893, Mr. Hamilton was married to Ollie Macy, a native
of Jackson Township, and a daughter of W. C. and Mary (Nichols) Macy.
To this union six children have been born, as follows: Eva, a graduate
of Gallatin High School, now living at home; Armond, at home; Nuburn,
at home; Doris, deceased; Marshall, at home; and Aleene, at home.
Mr. Hamilton is a Democrat and a member of the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, being an
elder. Mr. Hamilton stands well in his community, both for his enterpris-
ing disposition and for his high standards of civic welfare.
L. C. Marlow, a successful merchant of Jamesport, was born Jan. 19,
1857, in Livingston County, the son of W. H. and Amanda (Hutchinson)
Marlow.
W. H. Marlow was born in Kentucky in 1834. He came to Missouri
many years ago, and settled on a farm in Jackson Township, Livingston
County. In making the trip from Kentucky, Mr. Marlow drove a team of
434 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
oxen. During the Civil War he served under General Price in the Con-
federate Army. Mr. Marlow became a successful farmer of Livingston
County and at one time was the owner of 1000 acres of land. After many
years of farming he retired and resided in Chillicothe, until his death in
June, 1911. Mr. Marlow was one of the organizers of the Citizens Bank of
Jamesport, which is now extinct. He also organized many other banks.
Mrs. Marlow was born in Kentucky in 1840. She died Jan. 27, 1921. To W.
H. and Amanda (Hutchison) Marlow three children were born, as follows:
L. C, the subject of this sketch; Belle, the wife of Barton Hosman, Colo-
rado Springs, Colo. ; Benjamin, residing on the old home farm in Livingston
County.
L. C. Marlow was reared on a fann and received his education in the
district schools. When a young man he became engaged in farming, later
becoming heir to some land. He now owns 300 acres of well improved land
in Jackson Township, Livingston County, upon which he has made exten-
sive improvements. It is one of the finest farms in Livingston County.
In 1914 Mr. Marlow left the farm and became engaged in the hardware
and implement business at Jamesport, in partnership with J. W. Harris,
who died soon after. Mr. Marlow purchased his interest and then went
into partnership with A. L. Jenkins, and the firm name is now known as
Marlow and Jenkins. Mr. Marlow is a stockholder in the Commercial Bank
of Jamesport and in the First National Bank of Chillicothe, also the Peoples
Exchange Bank of Jamesport.
In 1882 L. C. Marlow was married for the first time to Jennie Ramsey,
a native of Jackson Township, Livingston County, and a daughter of James
and Linnie (Wingo) Ramsey, natives of Virginia and early settlers of Liv-
ingston County. To L. C. and Linnie (Wingo) Ramsey four children were
born, as follows: Howard, a first-class carpenter and contractor of James-
port; Fay, deceased, was the wife of Robert Muiiihy ; Edith, the wife of
Virgil Dixon now at Trenton ; Darrell, carpenter, Jamesport. Mrs. Marlow
died Jan 4, 1915. On July 2, 1916, Mr. Marlow was married to Ida (May)
McClung, widow of H. F. McClung, and sister of Mrs. John L. Leopard, of
Gallatin. Mrs. Marlow is the daughter of Gabe and Martha (Giddens)
May, natives of Kentucky and early settlers of Daviess County. Mr. May
is now deceased and his widow lives in Gallatin. By her first marriage,
Mrs. Marlow had one son, Robert Earl McClung, now residing in Kansas
City. Mrs. Marlow is a well educated woman, having taught school in
Daviess County, for about 11 years.
Mr. Marlow tells of his father being engaged as a freighter across the
plains in 1860 from Fort Leavenworth, Kan., to a Colorado fort for the
government.
J
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 435
Mr. Marlow is a Democrat, and has served on the township board at
different times and one term on the Jamesporf~city board. He is a Royal
Arch Mason. Mr. Marlow has the esteem of the residents of Jamesport, as
well as those of the surrounding territory and stands high in the com-
munity.
James M. Drummond, a well known retired hotel man of Jamesport,
was born June 3, 1853, in Union Township, Daviess County, the son of J.
P. and Sydney (Nickell) Drummond.
J. P. Drummond was born in Monroe County, W. Va., Sept. 25, 1813.
He was the son of George and Easter (Boyd) Drummond, natives of Vir-
ginia. On June 14, 1836, J. P. Drummond was married to Sydney Nickell,
a native of Monroe County, Va. In 1839 Mr. Drummond left Virginia and
settled in Daviess County, where he purchased 160 acres of land in Jackson
Township, and carried on general farming for a number of years. To J.
P. and Sydney (Nickell) Drummond the following children were born:
Margaret N. Mann ; Elizabeth E. Baldwin ; Amanda J. Musselman ; Mary
Barnett; George W. and Andrew J., twins; William N. ; John K. ; Caroline
Jenkins; James M., the subject of this sketch; Charles R. Mrs. Drum-
mond died in 1858. On July 14, 1859, Mr. Drummond was married for the
second time to Maria F. Mann. J. P. Drummond died Aug. 2, 1898.
James M. Drummond was reared on his father's farm in Jackson
Township, Daviess County, and attended the district schools. He then
carried on farming until 1885, when he moved to Jamesport, where he
conducted a livery and feed barn, and 1886 returned to the farm. In 1887
he again removed to Jamesport, and was in the livery business until 1896,
when he engaged in the hotel business. In 1910 Mr. Drummond moved to
Fayette, Mo., to educate his daughter. He remained there two years, then
returning to Jamesport. He was in the hotel business for a few years, his
father erected a two story hotel at Jamesport, in 1894. In connection with
the hotel, Mr. Drummond also conducted a livery and feed barn, which he
sold in 1903. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator.
On Oct. 21, 1886, Mr. Drummond was married to Inez Thurlow, a
daughter of David M. and Minta (Mullens) Thurlow. Mrs. Drummond
was born near Chillicothe. Mr. and Mrs. Thurlow are natives of Sullivan
County. To James M. and Inez (Thurlow) Drummond one child has been
born, Beulah, now the wife of D. J. Rossa, Browning, 111. They have
three children: Irma; James E., and Howard W. Roosa.
Mr. Drummond now owns part of the old home farm of 120 acres in
Jamesport Township. He is a Democrat, and in 1886 served in the office
of mayor of Jamesport, and also served as trustee. He is a member of
the Methodist church, and of the Knights of Pythias lodge. Mr. Drum-
436 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
mond has met with success in his business because of his energy, industiy,
and business foresight.
J. William DeVorss, a prominent and successful merchant of James-
port, was born March 14, 1872, in Jamesport Township, Daviess County,
the son of F. M., also known as Marion, and Mary (Lucas) DeVorss.
F. M. DeVorss was born in Jamesport Township, Dec. 15, 1851. He
was a farmer in his early life, and later came to Jamesport, in 1882, and
built the present hotel building, which he conducted for 25 years. He
died in Jamesport, Sept. 6, 1918. His parents were John and Martha
(Wiggleworth) DeVorss, natives of Virginia. John DeVorss was born in
1820, and died in 1900, in Jamesport. When a very small child he came
to Missouri with his parents and settled in St. Joseph. They drove oxen
here from Virginia, and were among the pioneer settlers of Daviess County,
having settled in Jamesport Township, in the early forties. Mary (Lucas)
DeVorss was born in Grundy County, Oct. 9, 1852, and died Feb. 12, 1914.
Both Mr. and Mrs. DeVorss are buried in the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows Cemetery at Jamesport. Mrs. DeVorss was the daughter of
James and Margaret (Estes) Lucas, natives of Kentucky and early settlers
of Grundy County where they both died. To F. M. and Mary (Lucas)
DeVorss five children were born, as follows: J. Wm., the subject of this
sketch ; John M., Nampa, Idaho ; Charles 0., Wichita, Kans. ; George W.,
engaged in the grocery business at Jamesport; Henry, Denver, Colorado.
Charles and George DeVorss are twins.
J. William DeVorss was reared in Jamesport, and was educated in the
public schools there, from which he was graduated in 1890. In 1893 he
traveled on the road and later became engaged in the grocery business at
Trenton. Three years later, Mr. DeVorss sold out his share and became en-
gaged in farming in Macon County, on his father-in-law's farm. Then in
1900 he returned to Jamesport, and opened a racket store. He now owns
a variety store in Jamesport, and has a very profitable business. Mr.
DeVorss is a stockholder and director in the Bank of Jamesport, and owns
a fine residence and several business buildings in Jamesport.
On Dec. 20, 1893, Mr. DeVorss was married to Sarah E. Taylor, a
daughter of James H., and Elizabeth (Simms) Taylor, natives of Tennessee
and Kentucky, and later of Macon Countj'. Mrs. DeVorss was born June
25, 1873, in Macon County. She was a teacher of music before her mar-
riage. To this union three children have been born, as follows: Earl,
Trenton; Claude, deceased; and Ruth, at home.
Mr. DeVorss is a Democrat, and has served in the ofliices of city mar-
shal, school director, city collector, and on the park board. He is member
of the Methodist church and belongs to the Knights of Phythias, Modem
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 437
Woodmen of America and the Yoeman lodge. Mr. DeVorss is prominent
in business affairs of Jamesport, and because of his interest in public affairs
he is ranked among the substantial citizens of the county.
James W. Long, a well known retired farmer of Gallatin, was born
Feb. 5, 1859, in Shelby County, the son of Joseph and Sallie (Whaley)
Long.
Joseph Long was born in Washington County, Md., Oct. 9, 1816. In
about 1848 he came to visit an uncle in Marion County. He returned to
Maryland, and six years later came back to Missouri, and married. He
then lived in Maryland until 1855, when he returned to Missouri and settled
on a farm in Shelby County. In March, 1864, Mr. Long removed to a farm
five miles east of Paris, Mo., where he died the same year, on September
25. Sallie (Whaley) Long was born in Marion County, June 11, 1824.
After Mr. Long's death she married the second time to S. W. Pugh, on
Jan. 9, 1872. They removed to Grand River Township, Daviess County,
where James W. Long was reared. Sallie (Whaley) Long Pugh died on
June 8, 1904. Both of James W. Long's parents are buried in the Mai'ion
County Home Cemetery.
James W. Long continued to farm the original family farm for 40
years after the death of his step-father in 1876, and he with his mother
purchased the land. Later, in 1880, Mr. Long bought out his mother's
share, made extensive improvements, set out a ten acre orchard, and
became one of the largest fruit growers in the county. He made many
exhibits at the street fairs in Gallatin, and Trenton, of his apples and
always won premiums on his entries. In 1915, Mr. Long sold his farm
and moved to Gallatin, where he now resides. He now has a small orchard
and owns ten acres within the city limits.
Mr. Long was married for the first time, Feb. 10, 1880, to Martha A.
Mills, born Feb. 24, 1848, in Grand River Township. She died March 7,
1899. To this union three childi'en were born, all of whom are now
deceased. Mr. Long was married the second time on Nov. 5, 1901 to
Rhoda Smith, a native of Grand River Township, and daughter of Ephriam
and Mary (Smith) Smith. No children were born to this union. James
W. Long was one of seven children, all of whom are now deceased with the
exception of a sister, Elizabeth, the wife of S. P. Mills, Jameson. In the
spring of 1887, Mr. Long took to raise a son S. W. Harris, who died April,
1907, at Colorado Springs, Colo. Mr. Long gave him. an education. He
is buried on Mr. Long's lot in Grand River Cemetery.
Mr. Long breeds pure bred chickens. Single Comb Buff Orphingtons
and Plymouth Rocks. He also breeds Jersey Cows. Mr. Long became a
member of the Baptist church in Grand River Township, April 1876, and
438 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
later the Jameson church, where he now belongs. He is a Democrat. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Long are well known and highly respected citizens of Daviess
County.
V. H. Scrivner, a well known retired farmer of Daviess County, was
born in Estell County, Ky., July 4, 1841, the son of John and Hulda (Tudor)
Scrivner.
John Scrivner was born in Estell County, Ky., and was a farmer
during his life. He settled in Clay County, Mo., for a time, but returned
to Kentucky after the death of his first wife. To John and Hulda (Tudor)
Scrivner three children were born, two of whom are now living; V. H., the
subject of this sketch; and Hulda, the wife of Clifton Oldham, Long
Beach, Calif. After his wife's death, Mr. Scrivner married Leu Ann
Williams, and five children were born to this union, of whom one is now liv-
ing, Susan, the wife of Leslie Oliver, Richmond, Ky. Mr. Scrivner died
in Kentucky.
V. H. Scrivner was reared in Kentucky, and in 1875 came to Daviess
County, locating on a farm near Winston. There he carried on farming
for 17 years, later moving to Smith County, Kans., where he remained for
19 years. He then moved to southern Nebraska, and in 1918, came to
Gallatin, where he now lives retired. During the Civil War, Mr. Scrivner
enlisted in Company C, 8th Regiment Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, and
served for three years and four months. He was the 7th man to climb
Lookout Mountain during the battle that was fought "above the clouds".
The 8th Regiment remained there for eight days.
Mr. Scrivner was married the first time in 1867 to Dorothy Webb, a
native of Kentucky. Ten children were born to this union, as follows:
Laura, the wife of Charles Barrett, Red Cloud, Neb.; Mattie, the wife of
Jesse Sappe, deceased; Albert, Eckley, Colo. ; Edith, the wife of Sam Mount-
ford, Red Cloud, Neb. ; Frances, deceased ; Oscar, Haigler, Neb. ; William
J., Tulsa, Okla. ; Valley, deceased; C. M., Red Cloud, Neb.; Susan, the
widow of Walter Mays, Red Cloud, Neb. Mrs. Scrivner died in Nebraska
Oct. 8, 1917.
Mr. Scrivner was married the second time to Phoebe A. (Witt) widow
of Henry White. To Henry White and Phoebe A. (Witt) the following
children were born: W. H. White, Excelsior Springs; Jeramiah Ann, the
wife of Frank Ray, Oilman City; George N. White, Liberty Township;
Daviess County; Ota B., deceased; Hallack H. White, Excelsior Springs.
After Mr. White's death Mrs. White later married Judge Frank Ewing,
and to this union one child was born, Maud H., the wife of T. J. Collins, of
Grundy County, now deceased. After the death of her first husband Mrs.
White removed to Gallatin, where she remained a widow four years, when
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 439
she married Judge Ewing. She had been a widow for 22 years when she
married Mr. Scrivner on July 15, 1918.
Mr. Scrivner is a Republican and has served as constable and collector
for 11 years, and was deputy sheriff under James H. Witt. In 1890 he was
one of the census enumerators. He also served as justice of the peace for
four years in Kansas, and was nominated in 1888 for sheriff but was de-
feated. Mr. Scrivner was nominated in Nebraska for judge and in 1922
was nominated for police judge of Gallatin. He was educated in the
Estell County, Ky., district schools.
Mr. Scrivner is a member of the Christian church, the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and the Grand Army of the Republic. He is the
owner of five and a half acres of well improved land on the edge of Red
Cloud, Nebr., and also owns a fine residence in Gallatin. Mr. Scrivner has
always been a progressive citizen with high standards of civic pride and
stands high in his community. He has owned a good deal of property,
both farms and city and has been very successful in his undertakings.
M. N. Knight, a leading farmer and stockman of Jackson Township,
Daviess County, and owner of 180 acres of well improved land, was born
Aug. 9, 1874, in Union Township, Daviess County, the son of James and
Sarah (Peniston) Knight.
James Knight was a native of Virginia, born Jan. 8, 1843. During
the Civil War he was a soldier. He came to Daviess County, after the
war and settled in Union Township, where he farmed the remainder of his
life, owning at his death, June 21, 1889, 120 acres of well improved land.
Sarah (Peniston) Knight was a native of Livingston County. She died in
1888. To Mr. and Mrs. Knight seven children were born, as follows: Oma,
the wife of George Jones, Jamesport; Verona, deceased, was the wife of
George Cinder; V. E., Union Township; M. N., the subject of this sketch:
Jesse, Bates County ; Elizabeth, the wife of Eugene Roeark, Sedalia ; Mary,
deceased was the wife of Robert Williams.
M. N. Knight was reared on his father's farm and I'eceived his educa-
tion in the district schools. He began farming for himself, renting land
when very young. In 1915, Mr. Knight purchased his present farm in
Jackson Township, where he has made extensive improvements. He has
been very successful in general farming and stock raising.
On Oct. 4, 1896, Mr. Knight was marrid to Maggie B. Macy, a daughter
of W. C. and Mary (Nichols) Macy, natives of Union Township. Mr. Macy
died July 20, 1921, and Mrs. Macy is now residing in Gallatin. Mrs. Knight
was born Jan. 7, 1879, in Jackson Town.ship, Daviess County. To M. N.
and Maggie (Macy) Knight one child was born, Macy, born Feb. 9, 1898,
now employed at Cameron.
440 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AhfD GENTRY COUNTIES
Mr. Knight is a Democrat, and served in the office of county judge in
1919 and 1920, in the southern district. He is a member of the Methodist
church and of the Modern Woodman of America. Mr. Knight is one of the
rehable and progressive citizens of the county, energetic and far sighted
in his methods of business and dependable in his dealings.
T. R. Shockley, a qualified embalmer and a member of the firm of the
Shockley & Stapleton Furniture and Undertaking Establishment, was born
in Bogle Township, Gentry County, July 22, 1868, the son of L. L. and
Calrissa (Schooler) Shockley.
L. L. Shockley was born in Gasconade County, Mo., Dec. 21, 1826, and
came to Gentry County, Aug. 31, 1846. He entered 160 acres of land in
Bogle Township and improved it. He married first, a Miss Burgess and
to this union seven children were born, three of whom died in infancy, and
the remaining four are as follows : Minerva, later Mrs. Jackson, died at
Hopkins, in Nodaway County, in 1903 ; Martha, married Mr. Korn, and
died in Bogle Township in 1915; Victoria, now Mrs. Ray of Colorado; and
Nevada, now Mrs. Korn of Grant City.
Mr. Shockley was married the second time in Worth County in 1867 to
Clarissa Scholer and to this union one child, T. R., the subject of this
review, was born. Mrs. Shockley died on the home place in April, 1876,
and her remains are buried in the cemetery at the Old Brick Church.
Lunsford L. L. Shockley was married the third time to Mrs. Elizabeth
Green in 1880. She died in 1896. Mr. Shockley died Dec. 5, 1899 and his
remains are buried in the New Friendship Cemetery.
T. R. Shockley attended the public schools. His first teacher was
Robert M. Ross who taught the Shockley school which was located on
the Shockley farm. Mr. Shockley farmed the home place, later becoming
owner of 84 acres of it. In 1901 he bought 80 acres more, and in 1907 he
sold the first part of his holdings, later selling the remainder. He moved
to Albany in 1906 and in 1908, he formed a partnership with Edward E.
Stapleton and bought the Holden Furniture and Undertaking Establish-
ment. In 1911 Mr. Shockley became sole owner of the establishment and
since then he has- conducted same as an up to date furniture and under-
taking business. A year later Mr. Shockley became an embalmer.
T. R. Shockley was married Feb. 22, 1900 to Mattie E. Quigley, a
daughter of James and Eliza (Malsom) Quigley of Athens Township. Mrs.
Shockley was born in Gentry County and attended the Eureka school
which was located on her father's farm. She later was a student at the
Stanberry Normal School and qualified herself to teach. The death of her
stepmother however necessitated her remaining at home.
T. R. Shockley is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
T. I.. SHOCKI EY
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 441
and the Woodmen of the World. He is an able and industrious business
rhan, one who is qualified to make the success which has marked his en-
terprises. Mr. Shockley tells some interesting things relating to the his-
tory of his father, Lunsford L. L. Shockley, who was an astute business
man and had many adventures. He enlisted for service in the Mexican
War and was sent to St. Louis where he remained stationed for several
weeks, but was never sent to the scene of the struggle. Years later he
enlisted for service in the Civil War on the Confederate side and served
three months under General Sterling Price. Mr. Shockley was unable to
read or write but he was very apt in figuring out the amount due him on
stock, making all of his calculations "in his head" but with absolute
accuracy.
J. W. Tolbert, a progressive and enterprising farmer and stockman of
Union Township, Daviess County, was born Sept. 18, 1858, in Monroe
County, W. Va., the son of Charles Alex and Mary (Meadows) Tolbert.
Charles Alex Tolbert was born in Virginia, where he farmed until his
death. His wife was a native of West Virginia and died there. They were
the parents of nine children, one of whom is deceased. J. W. Tolbert, the
subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in Virginia, and
educated in the public schools. He was the only member of the Tolbert
family to come to Missouri. In 1873 he came to Vernon County, and the
following year to Daviess County, where he rented land for a few years,
later buying a farm of 70 acres south of his present farm. Mr. Tolbert
purchased his present farm in 1902, where he has made extensive improve-
ments.
J. W. Tolbert was married Aug. 5, 1880, to Ada Poage, who was born on
the farm where she now resides, Sept. 24, 1863, the daughter of Samuel
D. B. and Sallie (Allen) Poage, natives of Greenbrier County, W. Va. Mr.
and Mrs. Poage were the parents of nine children, two of whom are
deceased. They came to Missouri in 1855, locating on the farm now owned
by J. W. Tolbert. Mr. Pogue was one of the prosperous farmers of the
county. Both he and his wife are deceased.
To J. W. and Ada (Poage) Tolbert seven children have been born, as
follows: Bessie, the wife of Forrest Poage, Grand River Township; Gar-
nett, Grand River Township; Bert, Union Township; Sidney, Concordia,
Kans. ; Samuel, Trenton ; Roy, Gallatin ; Winifred, a stenographer, grad-
uated from Gem City Business College. Quincy, 111., on Dec. 23, 1921.
Mr. Tolbert is a Democrat. Twenty-five years ago he served as road
commissioner for a term of two years. He is a member of the Methodist
church and of the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Tolbert owns 133
442 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
acres of well improved land in Union Township, and is a substantial citizen
of his community.
E. A. Croy, a substantial farmer and stockman of Union Township,
Daviess County, and owner of 123 acres of land, was born Dec. 13, 1863,
in Madison County, Iowa, the son of Sampson and Susan (Railsback) Croy.
Sampson Croy was born in Montgomery County, and carried on general
farming during his life. He removed to Iowa and later, in 1865, came to
Daviess County, locating on a farm in Grand River Township. Two years
later Mr. Croy moved to the farm now occupied by his son, E. A. Croy.
Mr. Croy died there in 1898. Mrs. Croy was a native of Kentucky. She
died in Western Kansas. To Sampson and Susan (Railsback) Croy three
children were born, as follows: Malen, residing in western Kansas; E. A.,
the subject of this sketch; and Mary, deceased, was the wife of D. H.
Sherrard.
E. A. Croy was reared in Union Township, Daviess County, and attend-
ed the district schools.He began farming on rented land, at the age of 22
years. In 1888 Mr. Croy purchased a farm in Grand River Township,
which he improved. He removed to the old farm place in Union Township
in 1893. He has made extensive improvements and now carries high grade
stock. Mr. Croy purchased the farm two years after taking possession of
it.
On March 11, 1888, Mr. Croy was married to Ida Hays, a native of
Jamesport, born Dec. 27, 1869, the daughter of John and Caroline (Everly)
Hays. Mr. and Mrs. Hays were natives of Iowa and Missouri. To E. A.
and Ida (Hays) Croy eight children were born, as follows: Lillie M., the
wife of Virgil Jenkins, Grand River Township; Fleet E., Grand River
Township; Synthia,, the wife of E. D. Brown, Grand River Township;
Naomi Fay, teacher in the home district ; Mary A., teacher in the district
schools; Dorothy, deceased; Glenn H., attending high school; Olive, at
home.
Mr. Croy is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist church. He is
a stockholder of the Farmers Co-operative Store, at Gallatin. Mr. Croy
is a reliable citizen, industrious and enterprising. He merits the esteem
with which he is held in the community.
James Franklin Johnson, deceased, was a well known farmer and land
owner of Union Township, Daviess County, was born Dec. 5, 1837, in Rap-
pahannock County, Va., the son of David and Fannie (Huff) Johnson,
natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. David Johnson were natives of Green
County, Ohio, who came to Daviess County, before the Civil War.
James Franklin Johnson, enlisted during the Civil War in the 2nd
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 443
Ohio Artillery, and served the last two years of the war. He then came
to Daviess County, where his parents had settled in Union Township, and
there he remained the rest of his life.
Mr. Johnson was married in 1866 in Ohio, to Mary J. Johnson, a
native of Rappahannock County, Va., born Aug. 5, 1835. She died on
Oct. 28, 1915. To this union seven children were born as follows: Turner,
deceased; Quint, Sioux City, Iowa; Melvin, bachelor, living on the home
place ; Frances, at home ; Eugene, bachelor, living on the home place .
The other children died in infancy.
James Franklin Johnson was one of the organizers of the First Nat-
ional Bank of Gallatin. At the time of his death, March 31, 1906, he
owned 500 aa-es of land in Union Township. His hobby was the purchas-
ing of land. After his death his property was divided among his children.
In politics he was a Democrat.
Melvin Johnson was born in Union Township, Daviess County, Oct.
12, 1871. He was educated a quarter of a mile from the home farm. Mr.
Johnson now owns 450 acres of land in Union Township. He served on
the township board for eight years and is well and favorably known in
Daviess County.
Eugene Johnson was born in Union Township, Aug. 6, 1876. He was
educated in ths district schools and has been engaged in farming during
his entire life. He owns 633 acres of land in Union and Grand River
Township, being the place where "Adam's Grave" is located. Every year
the Mormons v.sit this grave.
Frances Johnson is unmarried and keeps house for her two brothers.
She was born Nov. 2, 1873, in Union Township. She owns the home place
and 130 acres ol land.
James Frani^lin Johnson was a Democrat. He was a man of integrity
and industry. He was one of the reliable and substantial men of his
community.
H. C. McMalan, a successful farmer and stockman of Jackson Town-
ship, Daviess County, and owner of 225 acres of well improved land, was
born Jan 3, 1867, in Jamesport Township, the son of J. F. and Sarah
(Mann) MaMahan.
J. F. McMahaa was born in Union Township, Daviess County, July 1.
1835. He carried on general fanner during his life and lived on several
different farms in Daviess County. He lived in Jamesport for 28 years,
where he was engaj^ed in the grocery business. J. F. McMahan was the
son of James McMdian an early settler of Missouri. Mrs. J. F. McMahan
was born in Virginii, March 2, 1835, and she now lives in Jamesport. Mr.
444 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY v-;OUNTIES
McMahan died June 17, 1919, and is buried in the Jamesport Cemetery.
To J. F. and Sarah (Mann) McMahan three children were born, as follows:
Lydia, deceased, was the wife of J. H. Edwards ; Mollie, the wife of L. R.
Smith, Jamesport; and H. C, the youngest, subject of this sketch.
H. C. McMahan was reared on the farm and educated in the district
schools. At the age of 21 years he rented land, later in 1890 purchasing
160 acres, upon which he now carries on general framing and stock raising.
Mr. McMahan is a prominent breeder of Duroc Jersey hogs.
On April 21, 1891, Mr. McMahan was married to Olivia Wetzel, a
native of Clinton County, Pa., and a daughter of Reuben and Matilda (Poor-
man) Wetzel. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel were natives of Pennsylvania who
came to Daviess County in 1870, locating on a farm in Jackson Township.
They are both now deceased.
To H. G. and Olivia (Wetzel) McMahan five children have been born,
as follows: Fern, farming the home place; Hubert, Colorado; Mildred, a
teacher; Julian, Nebraska; Gertrude, the wife of E. F. Bedford, Hale, Mo.;
and Howard, living at home.
Mr. McMahan is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church.
He is a stockholder of the Peoples Bank of Jamesport, of which he was an
organizer. Mr. McMahan is an energetic man who stanis well in the
esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens.
W. T. Brown, a prominent and successful stock buyer of Jamesport,
and owner of 240 acres of land in Jamesport Township, was born Aug. 29,
1853, in Grand River Township, the son of Moses and Elizabeth (Wiles)
Brown.
Moses Brown was a native of Indiana, and removed to Daviess County,
about 1838, where he was engaged in farming during his entire life. He
served in the office of county judge for two terms. He nade his home in
Gallatin for a number of years prior to his death, which occurred when he
was 71 years of age. His wife was born in South Carolira, and died when
about 72 years old. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brown are burie4 in Brown Ceme-
tery, Gallatin. To Moses and Elizabeth (Wiles) Brown 13 children were
born, of whom four are now living as follows : W. T., tie subject of this
sketch ; A. C, Cheyenne County, Kans. ; A. T. Altammt ; and Missouri
the wife of D. D. Dean, Winston.
W. T. Brown grew up on his father's farm in Daviess County. He was
engaged in farming after his marriage in Lincoln T)wnship, for about
20 years, after w-hich, in about 1897, he removed to Jimesport, where he
purchased 240 acres of land adjoining the city limits m the north. Here
Mr. Brown has since been engaged in buying and shippug stock to all parts
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 445
of the country. He has been very successful in his work and is widely
known.
On Feb. 22, 1873, Mr. Brown was married to Susan Croy, a native of
Grand River Township, and a daughter of Alex and Sophia (Railsback)
Croy. To this union one child was born, Mary, the wife of D. T. Reed,
Jamesport Township, Daviess County. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have two child-
ren, Hugh and Clinton Reed.
Mr. Brown is a Republican and has served as a justice of the peace in
Lincoln Township. He is a stockholder of the Commercial Bank of James-
port. Mr. Brown is a member of the Baptist church of which he is a
deacon. He is a substantial and reliable citizen who has made a success in
life by virtue of his energy, his progressive ideals and his enterprising
methods.
Daniel Landes, a prominent citizen of Jamesport, who departed this
life May 10, 1922, was born Feb. 2, 1852, in Grand River Township, the son
of Levi and Mary (Wiles) Landes.
Levi Landes was born in Henry County, Ind., and came to Daviess
County in the early days when it was but a wilderness. He got his land
in Grand River from the government and carried on general farming until
his death. Mrs. Landes was also a native of Henry County. They were
the parents of twelve children, four of whom are now deceased.
Daniel Landes was reared on a farm and began for himself at the
age of 22 years, purchasing his land on time payments. He was unable
to build a house at first, so lived in a small building 16x16 feet which he
built. Mr. Landis owned 40 acres of land then, and by adding to it from
time to time he owned 255 acres of well improved land in Grand River
Township. 1897 he erected a two story house containing eight rooms,
and also a large barn. Mr. Landes was a well known feeder of cattle for
20 years, and was very successful in his work.
Mr. Landes was married three times, the first time being to Martha
E. Kemp, now deceased. To this union five children were born, two of
whom are now living; Flora Belle, the wife of Albert Terry, Gault; Neuma,
the wife of William Courtney, Ewing.
Mr. Landes was married the second time to Sallie Hyett. No children
were born to this union. The third marriage of Mr. Landes was to
Martha E. Beeler, a native of Sullivan County, a daughter of Noah and
Mary Ann (Jones) Beeler. Mr. and Mrs. Beeler were natives of Virginia
and Alabama, who came to Sullivan County, in the early days. They re-
moved to Daviess County in 1857, and located near Pattonsburg, where
Mrs. Landes lived until about 22 years ago, when she removed to James-
446 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
port, where she and her father hved. She clerked in J. P. Malon's store
until her marriage, Oct. 11, 1905. No children have been born to this
union.
Mr. Landes was a stockholder in the Bank of Jameson, at Jameson,
of which he was an organizer. He was a Republican and a member of the
Baptist church. Mr. Landes' success in life was due to hard work, good
management, and the ability to overcome the many reverses he encountered
in his work. He was a highly esteemed citizen of his community.
John W. McClaskey, a well known retired farmer and merchant of
Gallatin, was born Oct. 4, 1951, near Aubery Grove, Jamesport Township
the son of Albert and Martha (Roger) McClaskey.
Albert McClaskey was born in Indiana, Jan. 11, 1826. He owned a
grist and saw mill in Gallatin, and later one in Aubery Grove, and one in
Livingston County. In 1854 Mr. McClaskey went to California, in search
of gold. He died there a year later. Mrs. McClaskey was born in Ken-
tucky, March 8, 1828. After the death of Mr. McClaskey she was married
to Lathan Goben, and to that union one child was born, Elijah Goben, living
in Oklahoma. To Albert and Martha (Koger) McClaskey three children
were born, as follows: Eliza, the wife of Joseph Lee, Gallatin; John W., the
subject of this sketch; James M., Union Township, Daviess County. Mrs
Goben, the mother of John W. McClaskey, died Nov. 30, 1905.
John W. McClaskey was reared in Daviess County, on a farm. In
1886 he moved to Gallatin, where he became engaged in the lumber busi-
ness. Later he was in the produce business at Tipton, and in 1888 he re-
turned to Gallatin, where he became engaged in the shipping of live stock
to the eastern markets. Then in 1893, Mr. McClaskey went into the trans-
fer business until 1910, when he conducted a grain and seed business for
four years. He then retired in 1915, after which he did a great deal of
traveling about the country. In 1916, Mr. McClaskey built an all modern
bungalow in the eastern section of Gallatin. It is built of native stone
and is one of the attractive residences of the city.
On Aug. 22, 1876, Mr. McClaskey was married the first time to Alice
V. Smith, a native of Spencer, Va. They were married at Mt. Ayr, Iowa,
and to this union four children were born, of whom two are now living;
Forrest, the wife of C. E. Harris, Phoenix, Ariz. ; and E. C, Fresno, Calif.
Mrs. Alice (Smith) McClaskey died Sept. 20, 1888.
Mr. McClaskey was married the second time to Lucy Fannie (Estes)
Smith, on Jan. 23, 1909. She was the widow of George Smith. Mrs.
McClaskey was born in Rappahannock County, Va., and her parents were
pioneer settlers of Daviess County. To Mr. and Mrs. McClaskey two
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 447
children were born, as follows: Martha Yates, at home; and Harry Newton,
deceased.
A brother of Mr. McClaskey, James M., narrowly escaped losing his
life when a baby. While he was playing on the floor of the house, and
his mother busy with her work, a large hog walked in through the door,
grabbed the baby and ran off with it. Mrs. McClaskey was able to rescue
it before any hami was done.
In politics Mr. McClaskey is a Democrat. In 1914 he was elected
mayor of Gallatin, which oflSce he held for a term of two years. At that
time the power house was moved to higher ground. During his adminis-
tration, Mr. McClaskey had a hard time fighting bootleggers. He was also
mayor of Spencer, W. Va., from 1877 until 1878, where he was employed
as a clerk in a dry goods store.
Mr. McClaskey is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the Baptist
church. He is well and favorably known in Gallatin, and takes an interest
in the affairs of his town.
Novia Doak, a successful farmer and stockman of Monroe Township,
was born Nov. 26, 1886, in Union Township, a son of Rev. Peter P. and
Lucretia (Parker) Doak.
Peter P. Doak was born in Sullivan County, Feb. 28, 1848. In 1880
he married Lucretia Parker, a native of Kentucky, and daughter of James
M. and Eliza (Lewis) Parker. Mr. and Mrs. Doak were the parents of six
children, as follows: Harry, Union Township; Novia, the subject of this
sketch ; Edgar, living with his mother, and a daughter who died in infancy.
Mr. Doak died in 1919.
Novia Doak was educated in the district schools and attended the
public schools at Gallatin. He was reared on a farm and remained on the
home farm until he was 21 years old, when he began farming with his
brother Olin E. They owned 157 acres of land. In 1912 he sold his share
to his brother Olin, and purchased his present farm from 0. R. Whitt. It
had been improved by John New of California. Mr. Doak has made ex-
tensive improvements on the farm, having erected a cement silo 14x35
feet.
April 26. 1908, Mr. Doak was married to Mary E. Bonnett, a daughter
of P. M. and Jeanette (Fittspatrick) Bonnett, natives of Iowa. Mr. and
Mrs. Bonnett lived in Daviess County, for about ten years. Mr. Bonnett
died several years ago and his widow now resides in Washington, D. C.
Mrs. Doak was born in Carroll County.
To Mr. and Mrs. Doak three children have been born; Zella Irene, at
home; Novena Edith, at home; and Edna Christina, deceased.
448 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Mr. Doak owns 95 acres of land and is a well known breeder of Short-
horn cattle. He is also a feeder of hogs and cattle, and breeder of Rhode
Island Red chickens.
Mr. Doak is a Democrat and served on the township board. He was
justice of the peace for four years, and is now constable and collector of
Monroe Township. He is a member of the Methodist church, and is also
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Wood-
men of America. Mr. Doak has been unusually successful and is consid-
ered one of Monroe Township's most efficient citizens.
Sam C. Killam, successful manager of the insurance work for 12
companies and the president of the Albany Chamber of Commerce, was
born in Morgan County, 111., Nov. 5, 1880, the son of Thomas H. and Lida
C. (Clark) Killam.
Thomas H. Killam and Lida C. Clark were married in Illinois and came
to Harrison County, Mo., in 1882, where they bought a farm in Washington
Township, and where they continued to live until the fall of 1898, when
they moved to Grant City. There Mr. Killam went into the grain and
stock business which he continued to conduct until the spring of 1902,
when he came to Albany and bought the Graves Hardware store. He re-
mained the in the hardware business until 1909. He is now located in
Duluth, Minn. To the union of Thomas H., and Lida C. (Clark) Killam
the following children were born: Samuel C, the subject of this review;
Edith L., a teacher in Duluth, Minn.; Lawrence T., a resident of McMinn-
ville, Ore. ; and John W., now working for the United States Steel Corpor-
ation in Duluth, Minn.
Samuel C. Killam graduated from the Grant City High School in 1901,
and then spent one year as a student in William Jewell College at Liberty.
He later entered the hardware business with his father and remained in
this work until 1909. The next three years he was with E. K. Williams.
In 1914 he engaged in the furniture business at Mt. Ayr, Iowa. In the
spring of 1916, Mr. Killam went into the insurance business and opened his
present office, where he handles the work in connection with fire, tornado,
hail, and automobile insurance. From August, 1918, until July, 1921, Mr.
Killam clerked in the Gentry County Bank.
The Chamber of Commerce of Albany was organized on Feb. 8. 1921,
as an outgrowth of the former Commercial Club. At the first meeting
of the new organization there were 30 men present, at the second meeting,
two weeks later, there were 75 men present. The membership of the
organization is now 267 and the work of the members is already felt as a
strong integrating force in the town. Mr. Killam was elected president of
SAM C-. KIl.I.AM
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 449
the new club and was reelected for 1922. Mr. Killam has proved himself
admirably fitted to the position. In April, 1922, Mr. Killam was appointed
acting postmaster of Albany.
Sam C. Killam was married June 7, 1911, to Linnie N. Lainhart, a
daughter of Robert P. and Melcenia (Sampson) Lainhart. Mr. Lainhart
was a grocer in Albany for almost 35 years. He retired from active busi-
ness life a few years before his death which occurred in February, 1920.
His remains are buried in Highland Cemetery. His widow now lives at
Albany. Mr. and Mrs. Killam have one daughter, Merilee.
Mr. Killam is a member of Athens Lodge No. 127, Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons and the Royal Arch Chapter at Albany, also the Josephus
Council Albany Commandry, and the Order of the Eastern Star. He is
a past officer in all of these lodges except the Council. He belongs also to
the Yoeman Lodge and to the Knights of Constantine at St. Joseph. Mr.
Killam is the chairman of the Republican Central Committee of Gentry
County and has held this position for the past four years. He is a pro-
gressive man, one who manifests foresight in his business affairs and high
ideals in the community in his political views, and in his direction of the
work of the Albany Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church, being an active worker in that church, and is now a deacon.
W. R. Handy, who operates a real estate, farm loans and abstract
office in Gallatin, was born near Horse Cave, Ky., Jan. 18, 1865. His
parents were David W. and Mary (Cook) Handy to whom eight children
were born. Six of them are still living: J. B., a merchant and banker at
Coffey ; A. H., in the mercantile business in Kansas City ; Ida, married A. H.
Thompson of Sioux City, Iowa ; W. R., the subject of this review ; Ollie, the
Wife of J. P. Stanley of Topeka, Kans. ; and C. P., a resident of Rocky Ford,
Colorado.
David W. Handy was born in Virginia in 1830. He married Mary
Cook in Kentucky. She was born in Pennsylvania. They came to Daviess
County in the late spring of 1865, and for 12 years lived on a farm. At
the end of that time they moved to Coffey, where Mr. Handy engaged in
the mercantile business. He was a successful man, and at one time owned
790 acres of land adjoining the site of Coffey. He was one of the well
known stock feeders of the community, and a man highly esteemed
throughout the county. His wife died at Coffey in 1910, at the age of 76
years, and he died at the same town in 1914. The remains of both are
buried in the Masonic Cemetery there. They were members of the Baptist
church, and Mr. Handy was a Democrat in his political views.
W. R. Handy grew up at Coffey and attended the schools there. In
450 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
1883 he entered Grand River College at Edinburg, and remained for a
year taking the commercial course. He then became a student in the Gem
City Business College at Quincy, 111., and then became connected with his
fathers' business. He conducted a store for his father and G. B. Duke, at
McFall in 1886. The next year he went back to Coffey, where he again
entered the mercantile business, and remained in it until Fbruary, 1889,
when he accepted a position as clerk for Irving Brothers. In 1891, he
with J. H. Townsend, W. T. Osborn, C. A. Stout, J. H. Gilchrist became the
organizers of the Gallatin Dry Goods and Grocery Company, and Mr. Handy
was placed in charge of the dry goods department, and was also the sec-
retary of the company. In 1892 he was forced to resign from his work
because of his health, and a year later he became associated with S. D.
Stephens in the real estate and loan business. In 1896 this enterprise was
incorporated as the Stephens Farm Loan Company, and in 1914, the firm
went into the hands of a receiver. Following this Mr. Handy began mak-
ing loans for himself, and has now established an excellent business.
Mr. Handy was married on Sept. 5, 1889 to Lillian Dugger, born in
Madison County, 111., in April, 1869, the daughter of Cornelius Dugger.
Mr. Dugger spent all of his life in Illinois, where he died. Mr. and Mrs.
Handy had six children born to their union: Vada I., mamed to Charles
Blizzard of St. Joseph ; Dean E., Beggs, Okla. ; Glenn D., living at Rocky
Ford, Colo. ; Giles K., a resident of St. Joseph ; and Dorothy and Mary,
both at home.
Mr. Handy was elected mayor of Gallatin in 1902 and held that office
until 1906. A few years before that time he was appointed a member of
the advisory committee to put water and lights in the city. He served as
chairman of the central county committee and was the congressional com-
mitteeman for the Third District for his political party. During the
World War, Mr. Handy served on the Council of Defense, the Food Admin-
istration Board, Agricultural Extension, and was the sale director for the
Third and Fourth Liberty Loans for Daviess County. He also had charge
of all overseas Christmas packages for the soldiers. In 1916 he was asked
by the council to take the city clerkship and was assigned to the work of
helping plan the rebuilding and extension of the old water plant. He
also served on the building committee for the Y. M. C. A. building. On
March 15, 1921, Mr. Handy was presented with a silver medal from the
Home Insurance Company of New York City, in recognition of 25 years
of continuous service with that company, dui'ing which time he had been
their fire adjuster for his district.
Mr. Handy is a Democrat and is identified with the Baptist church.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 451
He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Modern
Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is one of the well known men of the county, a
reliable and substantial citizen who has always manifested keen discerning
interest in everything that pertains to the improvement and growth of his
community.
W. T. Cooper, deceased, was one of the well known men of Gallatin,
and of the northwestern part of Missouri. He was born at Gallatin Dec.
8, 1857, the son of John and Maria (Trotter) Cooper.
John Cooper and his wife were early settlers of Daviess County. He
was born on April 8, 1825. He was a well known farmer and stockman.
During the Civil War he enlisted for service and was assigned to Company
M. 4th Regiment, Missouri Militia. When the rush to Oklahoma began,
Mr. Cooper went west, and staked a claim on the present site of the town
of Enid. He improved this land, and later moved to Hennesy, Okla.,
where he engaged in the grocery business. He died at Hennesy, April 8,
1889. His wife, Marie (Trotter) Cooper, was born, May 12, 1834, and died
in August, 1908. Two of the children born to John Cooper and his wife
grew to maturity: W. T., the subject of this review; and Nannie, married
G. P. Rush, and is now dead.
W. T. Cooper was reared at Gallatin, and attended the Gallatin school.
Early in his life he became interested in mercantile pursuits. He clerked
in Etter's store, and later became interested in the jewelry business. He
disposed of his interest in the jewelry store and became a traveling sales-
man for the Tom Ray Cutlery Company of Kansas City. He continued in
that work for 15 years, and then accepted a similar position with the
Quincy Stove Company of Quincy, 111. He remained in that work until his
death, June 18, 1921.
W. T. Cooper was married. May 28, 1885, to Leona Casey at Gallatin.
Mrs. Cooper was born at Richmond, Feb. 18, 1865, the daughter of Thomas
and Martha (Mann) Casey. Both Mr. and Mrs. Casey died when their
dughter was 13 years old, and the little girl was taken to Gallatin, where
she grew up in the homes of her uncle, E. M. Mann, and her aunt, Mrs.
Belle Sheets. Mrs. Cooper attended the school at Gallatin, and later was
a student in Christian College at Columbia. To the union of W. T. and
Leona (Casey) Cooper the following children were born: Maybelle, married
Dr. W. L. Howard, a member of the faculty of the Horticulture department
of Berkeley College, and spent the summer of 1921 in Europe ; Mattie, the
wife of J. M. Evvard, an instructor in the Animal Husbandry Department
of the Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa; T. E., a physician, a sketch of
452 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
whose life appears in a later paragraph ; and Nannie Rush, a successful
teacher at Pattonsburg. Mrs. Cooper has the following grandchildren:
Thomas, Robert, Edwin and Walter, Jr., Howard ; Margaret, John C, and
Martha J. Evvard; and Clarence Casey Cooper.
W. T. Cooper was a Democrat, and a member of the Methodist church
to the support of which he always contributed most liberally. He belonged
to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows lodges. At the time of his death, he was the oldest member
of the latter lodge in Gallatin. He was a firm believer in good educational
advantages, and it was his plan for all his children to receive college
degrees. For 13 consecutive terms, one of his children, and part of the
time two of them, were students in the Missouri state university. Mr.
Cooper always felt, however, that an investment in an education meant
more for his children, than any accumulation of property could ever mean
later on. He was a man whose friends were numbered by the scores. His
business called him into many towns, and various parts of the state.
Wherever he went he made staunch friends. As a business man, he was
alert and energetic, and his customers always had the greatest respect for
his judgment. As a citizen, he held ideals of civic progress and beheved
most thoroughly in city government. He was the kind of man whose
presence in the community is an asset, and whose death is a real loss.
Thomas E. Cooper, a progressive physician and sui'geon of Gallatin,
was born Nov. 6, 1890, the son of W. T. Cooper, the subject of this sketch.
Dr. Cooper grew up in Gallatin and in 1908, he entered the Missouri State
University. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor or Arts in 1912 ;
entered the Medical College of St. Louis University at St. Louis, and in
1914 received the degree of Doctor of Medicine there. For the next three
and one-half years he was an intern in the St. Louis City Hospital, where
he received training that was both practical and scientific.
In January, 1918, Dr. Cooper received a commission as a medical
oflflcer for service in the World War. He served in several camps, and was
then sent overseas with No. 227 Aero Squadron. In July, 1919, he was
discharged from service, and returned to Gallatin, where he began the
practice of his profession. He attained the rank of captain before receiv-
ing his discharge.
Dr. Cooper was married in August, 1916, to Flora Kreis, and to this
union one child, Clarence Casey, was born. Mrs. Cooper died in October,
1917, at the age of 22 years. On March 20, 1921, Dr. Cooper was married
to Alleyne Yates, a daughter of Howard and Lulu Yates of Gallatin.
Dr. Cooper is a Democrat, a member of the Methodist church and
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 453
belongs to the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a young man of
keen intellectual and professional ability, and has established an excellent
practice in Gallatin.
The Cooper family is one of the well and favorably known families of
Daviess County.
Shannon Adkison, a prominent farmer and stockman of Monroe
Township, was born June 6, 1868, in Madison County, Ky., a son of Thomas
and Nancy Belle (Broaddus) Adkison.
Thomas Adkison was born Dec. 24, 1832, in Kentucky. He was a
fanner during his entire life. In 1879 he came to Missouri from Moultrie
County, 111., and settled on a farm in Clinton County. In 1884 he moved
to Daviess County. During the Civil War, he enlisted in Company G,
United States First Kentucky, Volunteer Cavalry. He enlisted Aug. 20,
1861, and was discharged Dec. 31, 1864. Mr. Adkison was a Republican
and a member of the Baptist church at Gallatin. His wife, Nancy Belle
Broaddus was born in Madison County, Ky., Oct. 10, 1846, and died July
2, 1920. Mr. Adkison died Dec. 19, 1921, at the home of his son in Monroe
Township.
Thomas Adkison and wife were the parents of six children: Cora, the
wife of George Rea, Clinton County; Shannon, the subject of this sketch;
Mary, the wife of W. P. Stone, Drumright, Okla. ; Lukette, Lathrop ; Anna,
decea.sed ; Bertha, deceased, was the wife of J. W. Allsup.
Shannon Adkison was reared on a farm in Daviess County, and was
educated in the district schools of Monroe Township. When he became of
age he rented a farm from his father. In 1892 Mr. Adkison was married
to Emma Lynch, a native of Monroe Township, and a daughter of Thomas
and Mary A. (Moore) Lynch, natives of Ohio. Mrs. Adkison taught
school several years before her marriage.
In 1902 Mr. Adkison purchased the Taylor farm in Section 8, Monroe
Township. He improved it and sold it in 1910. He then purchased a
farm in Sheridan Township, after which he again moved to Union Town-
ship. After owning several farms, Mr. Adkison bought the farm which
he now occupies in Monroe Township. In 1913 he built a modern residence.
To Mr. and Mrs. Adkison ten children have been born, two of whom
died in infancy. The others are as follows: Thomas R., Monroe Town-
ship; Robert, deceased, was inducted into service during the World War,
and assigned to Company D, 138th Infantry, 35th Division, sailed for
overseas May 3, 1918, and was killed in the Battle of the Argonne Forest,
Sept. 27, 1918, and his body was buried in Brown Cemetery at Gallatin,
Aug. 14, 1921; Rosa, the wife of Samuel D. Halcomb, Union Township;
454 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
Ross, Monroe Township ; Mary, teacher in Union Township ; Reva, at home ;
Frances, at home ; Rayburn, at home.
Mr. Adkison is a Republican. He owns 150 acres of land in Monroe
Township, which is well improved. Mr. Adkison has put much energy,
thought and time into his business of farming and stockraising, and merits
the marked success which he has made.
Levi P. Cox, one of Caldwell County's efficient farmers, and owner of
930 acres of land in Harrison and Jacksan Townships, was born Dec. 23,
1857, a son of Levi P. Cox, Sr.. and Elizabeth (Stamper) Cox.
Levi P. Cox, Sr., was born Jan. 20, 1817, in Williamsburg, Ky., and
came to Missouri the summer of 1840, settling on what is known as part of
the old L. P. Cox farm in Jackson Township. Mr. Cox was married Sept.
30, 1841, to Elizabeth Stamper. To Mr. and Mrs. Cox eight children were
born, as follows : Larkin J., Born Aug. 12, 1843, was shot during the battle
of Corinth, Miss., which caused his death Nov. 1, 1862, aged 19 years;
Lucy M., was born Sept. 26, 1844, married Reuben Ketron, Edinburg, and
she died at the age of 26 years; Emily Cox, born Nov. 22, 1845, was the
wife of L T. Minnick, now deceased, and she is now living in St. Joseph,
Mo. ; Nathan T. Cox, born Nov. 12, 1847, now living in Gainesville, Texas,
and the owner of 500 acres of land there on which he raises wheat, oats,
etc.; Maria A. Cox, born April 11, 1851, died Sept. 24, 1864, at the age of
13 years ; Joseph M. Cox, born Feb. 25, 1853, living on his farm in Jackson
Township ; Jess Cox, born April 6, 1860, died in infancy ; Levi P., the sub-
ject of this sketch; John S. Cox, born May 13, 1861, died March 22, 1905,
aged 43 years, at his home in Breckenridge, Mo.
Levi P. Cox, Sr., died Jan. 20, 1886, at the age of 69 years, and his
wife died May 18, 1864, at the age of 38 years. Mr. Cox died at Brecken-
ridge, and his wife in Jackson Township, Daviess County.
Levi P. Cox, Jr., was six years old at the time of his mother's death.
He was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the dis-
trict schools and the high school of Breckenridge. After completing his
education, Mr. Cox began farming in Jackson Township. In 1896 he
moved to Breckenridge, where he has since resided.
Mr. Cox was married for the first time Sept. 10, 1879, to Sarah F.
Mauzey, of Piatt County. To this union five daughters were born, as fol-
lows: Mollie E., the wife of G. B. Grumbine of Oklahoma City, Okla., was
born Sept. 27, 1880, and has four children: Lucy J., Born Sept. 3, 1882, is
the wife of F. N. Campbell of Cameron, and they have two children ; Minnie
May, born Nov. 15, 1884, married F. L. Runkle, of Denver, Colo., and died
Dec. 11, 1918, at the age of 34 years, leaving three small children; Clarrisa
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 455
D., was born Aug. 27, 1888, and was the wife of John H. Benney, of Breck-
enridge, and died June 21, 1915, at the age of 26 years, leaving a small
daughter; Mattie Lee, a twin sister of Clarissa, now the wife of Richard
M. Hicks, living on the old homestead, Daviess County, and they have three
children. Mrs. Cox died June 22, 1894, at the age of 34 years.
Mr. Cox was married the second time to Mary Bell Wood, of Macon,
July 1, 1896. To this union one son was born who died in infancy, and a
daughter, Vivian I. Cox, now the wife of Jess B. McClure of Kansas
City. Mrs. McClure was born Aug. 5, 1899. They have one daughter.
Mrs. Cox died March 15, 1911, at the age of 53 years.
Mr. Cox was married Nov. 26, 1914 to Mrs. Laura A. Brogan, of Macon,
and they now reside in Breckenridge, where he erected a modern residence.
Mr. Cox is a Democrat and a member of the Methodist church. He is
also a member of the Masonic Lodge, Modern Woodmen of America,
Eastern Star, Yoeman lodge, and the Knights and Ladies of Security. He
has served on the Bi-eckenridge School Board and also on the council. Mr.
Cox has been successful because of his energy and perserverance. He is
one of the dependable citizens of Caldwell County and is widely and favor-
ably known.
Dr. J. T. Nugent, a successful physician and surgeon of Winston, Mo.,
was born May 31, 1884, on a farm in Audrian County, the son of George and
Melissa (McGee) Nugent.
George Nugent was born near Frankfort, Ky., and his wife was born
near Greencastle, Va. They were the parents of four children, of whom
two are now living: William, hardware merchant of St. Joseph; and Dr.
J. T., the subject of this sketch.
Dr. J. T. Nugent was reared in Monroe County, and lived with an aunt
Mrs. Tom Adams, his mother having died when he was three months old.
He was graduated from the Paris, Mo., high school and spent two years at
the state university in the medical department. He then attended the
Washington University of St. Louis, from which he was graduated in June
1919, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Dr. Nugent was then
appointed house physician of the Martha Parsons Hospital, where he re-
mained for one year. He then practiced at Centralia, where he remained
until May, 1921. At that time Dr. Nugent began practicing medicine and
surgery in Jamesport, where he established a good practice, and remained
there until June, 1922, when he began practice at Winston.
On June 24, 1913. Dr. Nugent was married to Anna Harris, a native
of Audrian County. While growing up in practically the same neighbor-
hood with Dr. Nugent, they did not become acquainted with each other
456 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
until a year before their marriage. Mrs. Nugent is a graduate of Columbia
College and taught school for two years. She is the daughter of Robert
G. and Mary E. (Proctor) Harris, natives of Boone County. Mr. Harris
is now deceased and his widow resides in Centralia.
To Dr. J. T. and Anna (Harris) Nugent one child has been born
Thomas Harris Nugent, born June 17, 1914.
Dr. Nugent is a Democrat in politics. He belongs to the Masonic lodge
and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a member of the Chris-
tian church, and of the Knights of Phythias. Dr. Nugent is a substantial
citizen of Daviess County and a progressive man in his profession.
John Francis Green, deceased, was born in Gentiy County in the house
where his widow now lives, July 20, 1868. His parents were John and
Sarah J. Green, the latter now living at Albany at the age of 79 years.
John Green, the father of John Francis Green, was born in Richland
County, Ohio, Sept. 5, 1822, the son of William Green, native of Massa-
chusetts, and Martha (Stanton) Green, born in Connecticut. John Green
came to Gentry County in 1849, and that same year was employed by the
government to work on the western plains. In the spring of 1850 he went
to California where he remained for three years engaged in mining. At.
the end of that time he returned to Gentry County, where he lived until
his death, Jan. 2, 1882. His remains are buried in the Carter Cemetery.
He was a large land holder, owning at the time of his death, 705 acres. On
Dec. 8, 1864, John Green married Sarah J. Glendenning, and to this union
the following children were born: William H., a farmer in Bogle Township;
John Francis, the subject of this sketch; Edwin P., of Athens Township;
Clara A., deceased; and Effie, now Mrs. Abarr of Bogle Township.
John Francis Green attended the rural schools of Gentry County,
and followed fanning all of his life. At the time of his death, he owned
264 acres of land, and was a man of prominence in his lines of work. He
died, Sept. 7, 1915, and his remains are buried in the Highland Cemetery.
His son, John Ervin, now runs the home farm.
John Francis Green was married Jan. 10, 1892 to Phoebe E. Burgess,
a daughter of Thomas E. and Nancy J. (Mahoney) Burgess. Thomas E.
Burgess was born in Gascanade County, Jan 23, 1838. and died in Gentry
County, June 9, 1915. His remains are buried in Grand View Cemetery.
He served in the Union Army for three years and nine nwnths during the
Civil War. His wife was born in Ripley County, Ind., March 28, 1844, was
married in Bogle Township in 1866, and lived in Gentry County ever since.
Her children were: Orlando Ransom, deceased; Phoebe, now Mrs. Green;
Emma, the wife of J. W. Siddens; Cora, the wife of George Goode, of
Merino, Col.; G. E., a resident of Albany; Flora, married to Charles Redd,
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 457
and living on the Burgess farm in Bogle Township ; Perry, living in Boone,
Col. ; and Almina, the wife of W. DeWitt of California.
To the union of John Francis and Phoebe E. (Burgess) Green the fol-
lowing children were born: John Erwin, born Nov. 17, 1892; Vesta, living
at home ; and Verna J., died at the age of three years.
In 1912 the members of the Green family held a family reunion at the
home of John Francis Green, and more than 100 were present. Among the
cherished possessions of Mrs. Green is the collection of photographs made
on the day of the Green reunion. The guests were all descendents of
either William, Daniel, John, Julia or Caroline Green.
John Francis Green was a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows at Albany. He was a man esteemed in his community for his
integrity, and spirit of cooperation in all civic affairs.
George B. Koch, a prominent business man and president of the
Peoples Exchange Bank of Jamesport, was born in Clinton County, Mo.,
Oct. 22, 1885, a son of J. A. and Mary (Ward) Koch.
J. A. Koch was a native of Pennsylvania and mary Ward Koch a native
of Illinois. To this union was born three children, the eldest of whom died
in infancy, Geo. B., being the second child.
George B. Koch was reared on the farm and attending the country
schools, and in 1901 entered William Jewell College at Liberty, where he
was graduated in 1906, the youngest member of his class with the degree
A. B. After graduation he prepared for business life in the Gem City
Business College at Quincy, 111., and entered the First National Bank and
Trust Company, King City, Mo., in 1908 as junior clerk. He left that in-
stitution in 1911 to organize the Peoples Exchange Bank of Jamesport, of
which he is now president, and actively engaged in its management. In
1920 he again became interested in the First National Bank and Trust
Company of King City, as one of the largest stockholders in that pioneer
financial institution of Gentry County, and was elected vice-president,
which position he now holds.
On July 27, 1910, Mr. Koch was married to Anna Claxton, a native of
Andrew County, and to this union have been born two children, twins,
Geo. B. Jr., and Mary Ann, on Oct. 23, 1914.
Mr. Koch is president of the Board of Trustees of the M. E. church at
Jamesport, and in 1922 was Worshipful Master of Jamesport Lodge No.
564, A. F. & A. M., and Chancellor Commander of Banner Lodge No. 88,
Knights of Phythias. at Jamesport. He is also a 32nd Degree Mason and
Knight Templar and a Shriner, as well as a member of the Odd Fellows,
Easter Star, Phythian Sisters, Modern Woodmen and Yoemen fraternities,
458 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
and of the last he has served as state treasurer. Politically he is a
Democrat.
Mr. Koch is well known throughout his section as a good banker and
a live wire in anything that tends to the welfare and upbuilding of the
community in which he lives.
The Peoples Exchange Bank of Jamesport, Mo., was organized by
Geoi'ge B. Koch, on Dec. 15, 1911. The first officers were Judge John W.
Thompson, president, H. L. Faulkner, vice-president; Geo. B. Koch, cashier;
and Myrtle C. Davis, assistant cashier. In 1917 Geo. B. Koch was elected
president and J. Ed Tye, cashier, and continue to the present time.
The stockholders are among the most substantial citizens of James-
port and vicinity. The bank occupies one of the handsomest banking
houses in northwest Missouri, being erected in 1914, at a cost of $15,000.
It is strictly modern throughout and is built of brick and concrete with
terra cotta columns and trim on the exterior and the interior is finished in
Circasian Walnut.
The bank has made a steady continuous growth from the date of its
organization. Its resources now exceed $200,000 and has a surjlus and
undivided profit account of $12,500.
Geo. B. Koch, as president and J. Ed Tye as cashier are the active
managers of the bank and under the guidance the bank has established an
enviable reputation as a sound, conservative financial institution, and as
such it has upon its books the names of the most substantial, influential
and progressive citizens of the community.
The bank is a member of the American Bankers' Association, and
the Missouri Bankers' Association and President Koch has served the Mis-
souri Association on several committees. During the World War the bank
was most liberal in supporting the Liberty Bond and Red Cross work and
owned more U. S. Bonds than any other in the county. The U. S. Treasury
Department presented them with a special certificate expressing apprecia-
tion for the loyal support accorded the government in the Liberty Loan
drives, by the bank.
P. S. McCue, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Jackson Township,
Daviess County, better known to his many friends as "Jeff," was born July
24, 1861, in Jackson Township, the son of Isaac M. and Martha J. (Living-
ston) McCue.
Isaac M. McCue was born in Greenbrier County, Va., April 6, 1830,
and came to Daviess County in 1844. He was a farmer during his entire
life. He died July 1, 1904, in Jamesport. Mr. McCue was a staunch Dem-
ocrat and a member of the Methodist church. His wife was a daughter of
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 459
Dr. James and Eliza R. (Tootle) Livingston, natives of Ohio. After re-
moving to Grundy County, in 1838, Dr. Livingston practiced medicine from
his farm which was located on the Daviess, Grundy and Livingston County
lines. To Isaac M. and Martha J. (Livingston) McCue three children were
born, as follows : J. L., Jamesport ; Milton J., deceased ; and P. S., the sub-
ject of this sketch.
P. S. McCue was reared on his father's farm and was educated in the
schools of Jamesport. He engaged in farming at the age of 28 years, pur-
chasing a farm in Grundy County. In 1891 he bought 80 acres of land
in Jackson Township, Daviess County, improved it, and his son Paul, is
now farming it. Mr. McCue now owns 440 acres in Daviess County, and is
a well known breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Spotted Poland China hogs.
On Dec. 19, 1889, Mr. McCue was married to Fannie Peery, a native
of Livingston County, born July 30, 1873. She was the daughter of John
H. and Elizabeth (Crews) Perry, also natives of Livingston County. To
P. S. and Fannie (Peery) McCue one child was born, Paul, the husband of
Manta Davis, a native of Gallatin. They have two children, Mary Jane
and Martha McCue.
Mr. McCue is a Democrat. He is a progressive citizen, as well as an
energetic farmer and stockman, and an asset to the citizenship of Daviess
County.
Charles E. Hays, a prominent farmer and stockman of Jamesport
Township, Daviess County, was born Dec. 23, 1877, in Jamesport Town-
ship, the son of John B., and Carrie (Everly) Hays.
John B. Hays was born in Iowa, June 25, 1845. He was a well known
farmer of Daviess County. He enlisted during the Civil War and served in
the Militia and later in the Missouri State Cavalry. He was discharged
July 7, 1865, at Benton Barracks. He then engaged in farming in James-
port Township, where he owned 80 acres of land. To John B., and Carrie
(Everly) Hays six children were born, as follows: Ida, the wife of E. A.
Croy, Union Township; EfRe, the widow of George Harding, Des Moines,
Iowa; Charles E., the subject of this sketch; Virgil, living with his mother
in Jamesport Township; Dora, also living with her mother; and Walter,
deceased. Mr. Hays died Sept. 1, 1883. His wife is now living on her
farm of 120 acres in Jamesport Township.
Charles E. Hays was reared on the larm and received his education in
the district schools. When a young man he and his brother Virgil farmed
their mother's land. Charles E. Hays now resides on his wife's farm of
185 acres in Jamesport Township, and is widely known as a successful
breeder of Percheron horses and jacks for the past nine years.
460 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
On Jan. 31, 1897, Mr. Hays was married to Mary Lee Gillilan, a native
of Jamesport Township, and a daughter of John D. and Angeline (Thomp-
son) GilHlan, natives of Nicholas County, Va., and Grundy County. John
D. Gillilan came to Daviess County in 1837 with his parents from Ross
County, Ohio. His parents were Nathan and Ann (Dunlap) Gillilan, who
lived and died in Jamesport Township. John D. Gillilan was nine years
old when he came to Missouri. He grew up on the farm and attended
school in a log cabin and attended school three months out of each year.
An uncle, Robert Williams, taught school and later became a judge. Mr.
Gillilan became very prosperous and at the time of his death, in 1895, was
the owner of 940 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Gillilan were the parents of
three children, as follows: Nathan, St. Joseph; James, living with C. E.
Hays ; and Mrs. Hays. Mrs. Gillilan was born in Grundy County, the
daughter of Dow and Nancy (Oats) Thompson, natives of Kentucky and
early settlers of Missouri. Mrs. Gillilan died in 1904, at the age of 63
years.
To Charles E., and Mary Lee (Gillilan) Hays two children were born,
one of whom died in infancy .The oldest child. Pearl, is a graduate of James-
port high school and living at home.
Mr. Hays is a Republican. He is a member of the Baptist church and
of the Masonic lodge and the Eastern Star. Mr. Hays has been successful
because of his thorough understanding of farm problems and of the energy
and determination he has brought to the handling of the situations he has
met.
John B. Hays, deceased was a prominent farmer in Daviess County for
many years. He was a native of Worth County, Mo., born June 25, 1845.
Mr. Hays carried on farming during his entire life, and came to Daviess
County when a very young man. During the Civil War he enlisted at Gall-
atin, serving in the Militia for three months, and furnished his own horse.
On Feb. 6, 1864, Mr. Hays reenlisted in the Missouri State Cavalry, Com-
pany B. He was discharged July 7, 1865, at Benton Barracks. He then
engaged in farming in Jamesport Township, where he owned 80 acres of
land.
On March 25, 1869, Mr." Hays was married to Carrie Everly, the
daughter of William and Hanna (Whitt) Everly. Mrs. Hays was born
Dec. 27, 1849, in the section now known as Lincoln Township. To John B.
and Carrie (Everly) Hays six children were born, as follows: Ida, the
wife of E. A. Croy, Union Township ; EfRe, the widow of George Harding,
Des Moines, Iowa ; Charles E.. Jamesport ; Virgil, living with his mother in
Jamesport Township; Dora, living with her mother; Walter, deceased.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 461
Mr. Hays died on Sept. 1, 1883. His wife is now living on her farm of
120 acres in Jamesport Township. In politics Mr. Hays was a Republican
and he was a member of the Baptist church. Mr. Hays merited the high
regard in which he was held by the community. He was industrious,
earnest and sincere in all phases of his life.
John R. McCoy, a substantial farmer and stockman of Jamesport
Township, Daviess County, was born in Washington Township, on Dec. 30,
1860, the son of Jesse and Lodema (Goodvin) McCoy.
Jesse McCoy was a native of Pike County, 111., and came to Daviess
County, in about 1858. He died when John R., the subject of this sketch
was about 15 months old. During his life he was a farmer, and was but
36 years old at the time of his death. To Jesse and Lodema (Goodvin)
McCoy six children were born, of whom two are now living: John R., and
Sarah Sprague, the latter now living in Kansas. Mrs. McCoy was a native
of Pike County, 111., and some time after her husband's death she married
Daniel Miller. To this union three children were born, one of whom is now
living, Mattie, the widow of W. T. Day, Whitehall, 111. Mrs. Miller died in
August, 1920, at the age of 89 years.
When Jesse McCoy started west from Illinois he settled in Kansas. In
making the trip he drove a team of oxen. He lived in Kansas a short time,
then coming to Bates County, Mo., and later to Washington Township,
Daviess County, where he had several friends, whom he had known in
Illinois. During the Civil War he enlisted as a cook in the Missouri State
Militia. Shortly after his enlistment he became ill and was sent home,
where he died soon after from pneumonia and fever.
John R. McCoy has always been a farmer. He became heir to 40
acres of land in Washington Township, which he later sold. He has car-
ried on farming and stock raising in Jamesport Township since 1883. At
one time he worked as a farm hand, earning $10 to $15 a month. In 1907
Mr. McCoy removed to his present farm, which was settled by William
Ashbrook, an uncle of Mr. McCoy's wife. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy now own
240 acres of well improved land, and Mr. McCoy is one of the well known
and successful stockmen of his community.
On Jan. 16, 1883, Mr. McCoy was married to Hulda DeVorss, a daugh-
ter of John and Martha (Ashbrook) DeVorss, natives of Pickaway and
Logan Counties, Ohio, and pioneer settlers of Daviess County. Mrs.
McCoy was born in Daviess County. Mr. DeVorss at one time owned land
in the heart of St. Joseph.
To John R. and Hulda (DeVorss) McCoy two children have been born,
as follows : Lois, the wife of C. E. Cook, Jamesport ; and Mattie, the wife
462 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
of Ray Hayes, Jamesport. Mr. McCoy has three grandchildren; Carol
and Marvin Hays and Martha Cook.
In politics Mr. McCoy is a Republican and is a member of the Masonic
lodge of Jamesport. He is an enterprising and progressive citizen and is
widely and favorably know in Daviess County.
M. P. Whaley, the cashier of the First National Bank of Albany, is
a member of a family that has been prominent in Gentry County for many
years an that has been a strong factor in the rapid development of the
community. M. P. Whaley was born in Albany, the son of R. L. and Mar-
garet (Clelland) Whaley.
R. L. Whaley was born in Georgia, May 30, 1846 and came to Albany in
1874 where he practiced law until 1904 when he became the president of the
newly organized First National Bank. He operated a lumber business in
connection with this law practice and was successful in both enterprises.
Although seventy-five years of age, Mr. Whaley is still an active man of
business. Mr. Whaley was married at Albany in 1880 to Margaret Clelland,
a daughter of Peter Clelland of Scotland where both he and his wife died.
His daughter came to the United States with her brothers and sisters who
settled northwest of New Hampton in Harrison County, Mo. To the union
of R. L. and Margaret (Clelland) Whaley the following children were born:
M. P., the subject of this sketch ; 0. T., operating the Whaley Milling Com-
pany of Albany ; and L. J., the able assistant cashier of the First National
Bank, married Ollie Ross of Albany; Margaret (Clelland) Whaley died in
August, 1900, and her remains are buried in Highland Cemetery.
In 1901, Mr. Whaley was married the second time to Marguerite Gib-
son and to this union one child, Martha, was born, now a student in Palmer
College. Mrs. Whaley's father, John Gibson, was born in Ayrshire, Scot-
land, Sept. 7, 1831 and came to the United State in 1860 where he started
farming and stock raising near Portage, Wis. He came to Missouri in
1868 and settled on a farm of 1100 acres, six miles east of Albany. He
married Agnes Clelland in Wisconsin in 1862. To this union five children
were born ; Agnes, married to James Gibson and lives six miles northeast
of Albany; Mary, married William Main, now deceased; Marguerite, a
graduate of Edinburg College, and later a student at Glasgow College;
Daniel, born in Wisconsin in 1867, a farmer and stockraiser of Gentry
County, married Beatrice Carson in 1895 to which union three children
were born, Grace, John G., of Hutchinson, Kan., and Doris, married to
Thomas C. Holden of Albany, a sketch of whose life appears in this volume.
M. P. Whaley was educated in the schools of Albany and holds a
diploma from the Northwest Missouri College at Albany. He also has
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 463
a diploma admitting him to the practice of law fi'om Cumberland Univer-
sity. Mr. Whaley has been connected with banking ever since he left
school. He started as the assistant cashier in 1909. This position he has
filled in a highly efficient manner ever since. Members of his family have
been active in the management of the First National Bank since its organ-
ization and an interest in business, as well as a strong commercial ability
are family characteristics.
The First National Bank of Albany was organized, April 7, 1904 with
a capital stock of $30,000 and with the following officers: R. L. Whaley,
President; V. R. Twist, Vice-President; B. F. Hardin, Cashier; and John
W. Pierce, Roy F. Forbis, Levi Todd and W. Woodward, Directors in ad-
dition to the regular officers. The present home of the institution, a one
story brick building on the southwest corner of the Square, is owned by
the bank. The present capital stock in $30,000 ; the surplus, $10,000 ; un-
divided profits, $15,000; and deposits, $193,000. The present group of
officers are: R. L. Whaley, President; H. W. Bare, Vice President, M. P.
Whaley, Cashier; L. J. Whaley, Assistant Cashier; and Miss Fern Craven,
Bookkeeper. The first three officers named above are directors as are also:
W. H. Green, A. C. Sampson, John Spessard, and V. R. Twist. The bank
is one of the stable and well known in.stitutions of the county and has been
a strong factor in the financial development of the county.
M. P. Whaley is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons,
a Noble of the Shrine, a Knight Templar, and a Thirty-second Degree
Mason. He has served as the mayor of Albany for two years, 1910 and 1911.
Mr. Whaley is a worthy member of his community.
Orville S. Parman. veteran of the World War and the treasurer of
Gentry County, is a native of this county where his father and grandfather
both lived. He was born in Athens Township, Nov. 15, 1892, the son of
John M. and Linnie B. (Thompson) Parman.
John M. Parman was born in Gentry County in 1860, the son of Joseph
Parman, an early settler of the county who died while in the service of the
Confederate Arm during the Civil War. John M. Parman is a farmer and
stockman of the county. He resides in Athens Township. To his union
with Linnie B. (Thompson) Parman six children were born: Myrtle, died
at the age of three years ; Orville S., the subject of this review ; Irwin, died
in infancy ; Opal, died at the age of 20 years ; Garnett, living at home ; and
Ruby, also living at home.
Orville S. Parman was educated in the public schools. He graduated
from the Albany High School in the class of 1914. He served as deputy
464 HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES
county clerk under Mr. Mothersead until February, 1918, when he enlisted
for service in the World War. He enlisted at Albany and was at Head-
quarters Company, 354th Infantry. He went overseas on June 4, 1918
and participated in the battles of St. Mihiel and the Meuse Argonne. He
was at the front for more than two and one half months and returned to
the United States on Jan. 4, 1919. He was mustered out of service at
Camp Funston on March 1, 1919.
On March 18, 1919, Mr. Parman was married to Bessie Abington of
Albany, the daughter of E. P. Abington. Her mother is dead. To the
union of Orville S. and Bessie (Abington) Parman one child, Anna Lee,
has been born.
In November, 1920, Mr. Parman made the race for the office of county
treasurer and was elected by a plurality of 400 votes. He is an efficient
officer, capable and just in his dealings. The county is proud of such young
men who with honorable war records in their past, are ready to take up
civic duties and serve the community with the same energy with which
they served the country during the world strife. Mr. Parman is a member
of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge at Albany.
Jesse T. Hunter, who for the past 33 years has lived on his present
farm located in Howard Township near Denver, Gentry County, was born
one mile east of Lone Star, Oct. 6, 1856.
Mr. Hunter's father, James Hunter, was born in Tennessee, Nov. 2,
1820. He settled in Harrison County, Mo., before the Civil War, and
bought 240 acres of land three miles northwest of Martinsville. He was
a member of the Christian church, and filled the office of trustee in Dallas
Township for some time. He married Elizabeth Grace, born in Ray County
in 1832, and to this union the following children were born: John, now
living on the home place; W. A., living in Dallas Township, Harrison
County; Marion Y., deceased; Jesse T., the subject of this review; Dorinda,
now Mrs. VanHoozer of New Hampton ; A. N., a resident of Albany ; S. P.,
of Lebanon, Mo. ; and A. J., living in Cahfornia. James Hunter died in
1907 at the age of 87 years, and Elizabeth (Grace) Hunter died in 1894,
at the age of 62 years. The remains of both are buried in the Lone Star
Cemetery.
J. T. Hunter attended the rural schools of the county, and has been a
farmer and stock raiser all of his life. He owns 111 acres in his home
farm, and 40 acres of the Hunter home place in Harrison County. He does
general farming, but recently has been renting out part of his land. For
25 years, Mr. Hunter has been interested in poultry raising. He keeps
pure bred Light Brown Leghorn Single Comb fowls, usually having between
300 and 400. He ships eggs for setting, and sells cockerels. Mr. Hunter
i.
HISTORY OF DAVIESS AND GENTRY COUNTIES 465
has exhibited some of his pens at various fairs. In 1920 he exhibited at
Bethany, and took three first premiums, two seconds and one third.
J. T. Hunter was married in 1878, to Rachel F. Stephenson, born in
Gentry County, the daughter of William and Lucinda (Smith) Stephen-
son, the former born in Kentucky, April 13, 1813, and the latter born in
Alabama, April 13, 1834. They are both now dead; Mr. Stephenson died
March 10, 1882, and his widow died Feb. 22, 1907. The remains of both
are buried in Groom Cemetery. Their children were: Almira, later Mrs.
Wilson, now dead ; John deceased ; Sina E., now Mrs. Grable of Fort Worth,
Tex., Terry, James H., and Albay, all deceased ; George on the home place ;
Rachel F., now Mrs. Hunter W. H., living in Worth County ; Margaret, now
Mrs. Gibson of Worth County ; and Evaline, now Mrs. Stewart of Idaho.
By a former marriage of William Stephenson to Anna Whitson, he had one
daughter, Mary, now Mrs. WTiitson of Gower.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have three children: J. W., born April 14, 1879,
educated in this county and living in Howard Township when he was acci-
dently killed by the bursting of a fly-wheel while sawing wood, April 16,
1901 ; he was married to Melinda Everts who now lives in St. Joseph ;
Fannie, born June 2